Kentucky Derby 2012: Bodemeister Hasn't Missed His Shot at History

The 2012 Kentucky Derby winner, I'll Have Another, might have etched his name into the record books, but Bodemeister still has a chance to do the same if he can win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

I'll Have Another had a late surge to win at Churchill Downs, narrowly beating Bodemeister, who led convincingly throughout the race. In fact, had Bodemeister had enough gas, he would've easily won this race.

The combination of speed and stamina at that top speed are two unique traits that Bodemeister possesses. He was clearly the fastest horse on the track and displayed that until the finish line.

In fact, I'd say Bodemeister should be the favorite to win the Preakness because of how great he ran. Had the Derby been the same length as the Preakness, Bodemeister might've been the winner and not I'll Have Another.

Moving forward to the Belmont, the Triple Crown's longest race, Bodemeister has a great chance to win there also.

There's no doubt Bodemeister has the stamina to run one mile-and-a-half, once again making him a strong favorite for the third leg. All Bodemeister will have to do is display a bit more patience in that race and he should have no problem closing strong enough to win.

Don't let this one race fool you. Bodemeister has the qualities of a legendary horse: speed and stamina.

If he can win the final two legs of the Triple Crown, Bodemeister will still be respected as one of the greatest horses ever to grace the track. However, he will have missed that truly elite class by nothing more than a length.