California Chrome Aims for Preakness Win in Quest for Triple Crown

May 16, 2014— -- California Chrome will take the next step toward the Triple Crown of horse racing this weekend at the Preakness race at Pimlico race track in Baltimore.

The Preakness Stakes is the second race in the Triple Crown; the Belmont Stakes will be held June 7 in New York. There hasn't been a winner of the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

California Chrome, which won the Kentucky Derby May 3 by 1 and 3/4 lengths, is the favorite with 3-5 odds for this Saturday's race.

The Derby winner took a chartered flight from Kentucky and received a police escort from the airport to the Pimlico stables, according to The Associated Press.

His trainer, Art Sherman, told the AP that he is confident in California Chrome's chances heading into the Preakness.

"It's an awesome feeling having a horse of this caliber," Sherman said. "It's the first time we've had a horse this good, so we're enjoying the ride."

Post time is 6:18 p.m. Saturday.