Early Voting holds off hard-charging Epicenter to win Preakness Stakes

• Early Voting takes second leg of Triple Crown in Baltimore
• Kentucky Derby upset winner Rich Strike did not compete

Early Voting held off hard-charging favorite Epicenter to win the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, validating the decision to skip the Kentucky Derby and aim for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Early Voting stalked behind the leaders for much of the race before moving into the lead around the final turn. He finished 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Epicenter, who finished second like he did in the Derby.