California Chrome, ridden by jockey Victor Espinoza, wins the 139th Preakness Stakes horse race today at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

Racing fans walk in the infield today before the 139th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE - California Chrome has won the Preakness to keep alive his bid to capture horse racing's Triple Crown.

As a follow-up to his victory in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Art Sherman's horse justified his stature as the overwhelming favorite by outrunning Ride On Curlin to the finish Saturday.

He covered the 1 3-16th mile course in 1:54.84.

Ride On Curlin finished second and Social Inclusion took third.

It was the first Preakness victory for the 77-year-old trainer. California Chrome has won six straight races.

The chestnut colt is the first California-bred horse to win the Preakness since Snow Chief in 1986.

With a victory in the Belmont on June 7, California Chrome will become the 11th Triple Crown winner in horse racing history and the first since Affirmed in 1978.