Preakness Stakes (Grade 1) 1m1½f 3yo Pimlico

THERE was a shock result to the second leg of the US Triple Crown as Cloud Computing, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Javier Castellano ran down second favourite Classic Empire inside the final furlong in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.

It was a first classic victory for the 2016 Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown, more famous for his exploits with turf horses.

Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming was a disappointing eighth. He had been well away and well placed on the front as he duelled with his main rival Classic Empire, but off reasonable fractions, he came under a drive before the bend and had nothing left. Always Dreaming faded to finish eighth after his impressive Derby win two weeks ago. Trainer Todd Pletcher is now 0 for 9 in the race.

Classic Empire had looked home and dried when he went two lengths clear into the straight, but Cloud Computing, owned by William H. Lawrence and Klaravich Stables', under a drive from Javier Castellano, just got up to beat the juvenile champion in the last half furlong.

Right: Cloud Computing at Pimlico

Unraced at two, it was only Cloud Computing’s fourth start, all at Aqueduct and he stopped the clock in 1m 55.98 on a fast track. He was followed home by Classic Empire, Senior Investment, and Lookin At Lee, ending the Triple Crown hopes for Always Dreaming.

The winner is a son of a sire unheard of in Europe, McClean’s Music, (by Distorted Humor) out of Quick Temper (by AP Indy). He was sold to agent Mike Ryan for $200,000 at the Keeneland September Sale. Ryan had also co-bred Always Dreaming.

Chad Brown - a first US classic

Putting the race into context, it looks a similar scenario to last year when there were three different winners of the Triple Crown races.

Chad Brown did not commit the winner to the Belmont while Always Dreaming looks an unlikely runner and Classic Empire has had two tough races in two weeks.

READ SEAN CLANCY'S REPORT IN THE IRISH FIELD