Espinoza gets second shot at Triple Crown

BALTIMORE ─ Victor Espinoza will get a second chance to make history, and this time, he believes he’s better prepared for it.

In 2002, Espinoza was the rider of War Emblem, whom he guided to front-running victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to stumble and lose all chance in the Belmont Stakes, finishing eighth.

On June 7, Espinoza will have a second chance to win the Triple Crown aboard California Chrome, whom he guided to a 1 1/2-length victory in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday, two weeks after winning the Kentucky Derby by 1 3/4 lengths at Churchill Downs.

“It means a lot, and I’m ready for it,” Espinoza said. “Hopefully, California Chrome, he comes back good. I’m glad to have my second chance in my career. Never in a million years did I think I’d have a second chance. I was very close for once, but it didn’t work out, life goes on. Over a decade [later], there you go, I’m here again.”

This time, Espinoza, 41, said he plans to enjoy the three weeks between the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes more than he did in 2002.

“Last time, I took it more serious too early,” Espinoza said. “After today, that I win the Preakness, I probably take a couple of days just to relax, not do too much, freshen up my mind and enjoy myself and have fun … Life is different."

Espinoza said that in 2002, “I went too fast, too fast. Every day there was something I had to do. This time, I want to go more easy in my life. I feel like it’s my second and last chance.”

It certainly is a better chance. In War Emblem, Espinoza had a horse who was a one-dimensional speed horse. He was purchased privately by Prince Ahmed Salman’s The Thoroughbred Corp. after the Illinois Derby and transferred to trainer Bob Baffert. The first time Espinoza sat on War Emblem was in the Derby.

“War Emblem, we didn’t have time to think about it. We bought him, we won [the Derby], then he won the Preakness,” Baffert said. “[Espinoza] really got to enjoy this more. He’s been part of this horse since December. I think it’s a different feeling.”

Espinoza first sat on California Chrome in December, winning the King Glorious Stakes at Hollywood Park. The duo has not lost since, winning six consecutive races. California Chrome is the 13th horse to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown since Affirmed was the last to sweep the series in 1978.

“This horse loves Victor, and Victor loves him; they just get along so good,” said Alan Sherman, the son of and assistant to his father, Art Sherman, who trains California Chrome. “It’s been such a fun time for us.”