2012 Preakness Post Positions: Best Slots for Longshots

While the post draw isn't as critical this year at the Preakness Stakes as it was at the Kentucky Derby, history shows some post positions have regularly placed.

There are currently 12 confirmed horses for the 2012 Preakness, including Kentucky Derby runners I'll Have Another, Bodemeister and Creative Cause. There are also some dark-horse candidates in this year's field, including Tiger Walk.

But what positions should the longshots be gunning for?

Since the 2002 Preakness, eight post positions have placed twice (only counting fields with more than 10 horses): 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13.

In the last four races alone, the No. 7 post position has produced two winners (2008's Big Brown and 2010's Lookin at Lucky). Post positions No. 1, No. 3 and No. 11 have also placed twice in the last four years.

Judging by the post positions that have placed twice, it appears that you want to avoid posts No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, No. 9, No. 10 and No. 14 (when applicable). 

Of course, nothing is ever set in stone when it comes to a Triple Crown race, and just because a horse lands an undesirable position doesn't mean he or she can't win the Preakness.

But it is something to keep track of heading into Saturday's big race, especially when it comes to the dark horses of the field. It would be interesting to see what would happen if the favorites landed in historically poor post positions.

The Preakness Stakes is rooted in history, so why not use history to make your bets come Saturday?

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