Cloud Computing Pulls Upset Win At Preakness, Ending Triple Crown Hopes

Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP

Cloud Computing pulled a surprise win in the final strides of the 142nd run of the Preakness Stakes, shutting out any chances for a Triple Crown winner this year.

The clear favorite, Always Dreaming, who took the first jewel in Kentucky, wound up finishing eighth this run, despite sharing a strong lead with Classic Empire — who finished second — for the first half of the race. Senior Investment placed third.

In a final, fierce charge, Cloud Computing, ridden by Javier Castellano, nosed ahead of Classic Empire. Castellano finished the mile and three-sixteenth race in 1 minute 59.98 seconds at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md. It's the jockey's second Preakness win, following his 2006 victory aboard Bernardini.

The next stop is New York's Belmont Stakes on June 10, where the final jewel is up for grabs.