Journalism, second in the Kentucky Derby, survived a rough bumping match early in the Preakness Stakes stretch, then ran on to victory with a stunning burst of speed.

The race favorite, going off at even odds, fought his way to an incredible win at Pimlico, surging from multiple lengths behind in the last half-mile to win by a nose. Longshot Gosger placed and Sandman showed in a two-horse finish.

Journalism is nearly the odds-on favorite to win the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. The Kentucky Derby runner-up was bet down to 6-5 just over an hour before the 150th running of the middle leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.