BALTIMORE — Early Voting held onto his early lead, claiming an almost wire-to-wire victory in an election-year Preakness Stakes.

Early Voting, who lived as much as his title by capturing out to a speedy lead in most races, lapped the 9.5 furlongs in a one-and-a-half size victory, bringing residence the lion’s share of the $1.5 million purse for jockey José Ortiz and coach Chad Brown.

“I used to be by no means apprehensive,” Brown mentioned of Early Voting’s choice to go for an early lead. “As soon as we had goal, I really most well-liked that.”

WATCH: LONG SHOT RICH STRIKE PULLS OFF SHOCKING KENTUCKY DERBY VICTORY

Epicenter repeated his Kentucky Derby efficiency on the balmy Saturday night, closing in on the sphere to complete second. Inventive Minister completed third, and Secret Oath, one other high contender and the only filly within the race, got here in fourth place.

Early Voting, who sat out the Kentucky Derby so he may very well be properly rested for Saturday’s race in Baltimore, has gained two of his three lifetime begins, raking in $321,500 in his profession heading into the Preakness Stakes.

Ortiz rode to victory within the 2017 Belmont Stakes, the identical 12 months Cloud Computing, a horse Brown skilled, gained the Preakness Stakes.

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Wealthy Strike, the 80-to-1 longshot winner of final month’s Kentucky Derby, determined to sit down out the Preakness Stakes, that means there might be no Triple Crown champion this 12 months. He’ll compete within the Belmont Stakes on June 11 for a $1.5 million purse.