Shackleford wins Preakness; Animal Kingdom 2nd

BALTIMORE (AP) - Sweating profusely, bucking and kicking until six crewmen finally shoved him into the No. 5 slot, Shackleford looked like he wanted no part of the Preakness.

Yet once the starting gate sprung open, the colt was cool enough to hold off the late charge of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, spoiling yet another Triple Crown try.

Shackleford, who led into the stretch in the Derby two weeks ago, finished the job on Saturday at 12-1 odds. He battled Flashpoint for the lead until midway on the final turn and then dug in to hold off the onrushing Animal Kingdom.

Shackleford and jockey Jesus Castanon crossed the finish line a half-length in front, covering 1 3-16 miles in 1:56.47.

It was the first victory in a Triple Crown race by Castanon and trainer Dale Romans, a Louisville, Ky., native who watched Shackleford finish fourth in the Derby.

Shackleford paid $27.20, $10.20 and $6.80.

Animal Kingdom, the 2-1 favorite, paid $4.20 and $3.60. Astrology paid $8 to show.

Dialed In was fourth, followed by Dance City, Mucho Macho Man, King Congie and Mr. Commons. Isn't He Perfect was ninth, then came Concealed Identity, Norman Asbjornson, Sway Away, Midnight Interlude and Flashpoint.

Affirmed was the 11th horse to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 1978. Big Brown was the last to attempt a Triple try in 2008.