Cloud Computing rallies to triumph over Classic Empire in 142nd Preakness Stakes

May 20, 2017 Jennifer Caldwell/Brisnet.com

Klaravich Stables Inc. and William Lawrence’s Cloud Computing entered Saturday’s 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) with three starts under his girth and seeking a first stakes victory.

The dark bay son of Maclean’s Music exited the 1 3/16-mile contest a classic winner having inched in front of champion Classic Empire to secure the victory in the shadow of the Pimlico wire.

Jockey Javier Castellano settled Cloud Computing on the inside of Term of Art as Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming and Classic Empire set the pace in tandem down the backstretch through splits of :23.16 and :46.81.

It became clear turning for home that there wouldn’t be a Triple Crown bid this year, as Classic Empire easily pulled clear of a fading Always Dreaming and held firm command of the race entering the lane. For a moment, the Pioneerof the Nile colt appeared headed to the winner’s circle, but Cloud Computing was beginning his move.

The Chad Brown trainee collared Classic Empire, but that runner fought back on the inside. The two were neck in neck until just before the wire, when Cloud Computing inched clear for the head win in a final time of 1:55.98.

Classic Empire was game in defeat and easily best of the rest. Senior Investment followed in third while Lookin at Lee finished out the top four under the wire. Completing the order of finish were Gunnevera, Multiplier, Conquest Mo Money, Always Dreaming, Hence and Term of Art.

Cloud Computing is now 4-2-1-1 in his career. The Kentucky-bred colt broke his maiden at first asking on February 11 over Aqueduct’s inner dirt, then ran second in the Gotham Stakes (G3), also on the inner track. He entered the Preakness off a third in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) over the main dirt at Aqueduct on April 8.

Bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings Inc. and Stretch Run Ventures LLC, Cloud Computing is out of the Grade 2-placed A.P. Indy mare Quick Temper, who is a half-sister to multiple Grade/Group 1-placed Marino Marini. Cloud Computing’s second dam is Grade 1-winning millionaire Halo America.