BALTIMORE (AP) — 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.