Curlin kept gaining down the stretch and got past Street Sense in the final strides to win the Preakness Stakes Saturday at Pimlico.

In just his fourth lifetime start, Curlin ran third in the May 5 Kentucky Derby. In his fifth start, the son of Smart Strike became a classic winner with his narrow victory over the Derby winner.

Curlin was ridden by Robby Albarado, who two races earlier fell when his mount had to alter course around a fallen horse.

Xchanger made the lead out of the gate, followed by Flying First Class, Hard Spun, and King of the Roxy. The positions did not change as the field went through the first turn and straightened out down the backside, the opening quarter in :22.82 and the half in :45.75