Preakness 2012 Horses: Highlighting Top Contenders and Longshots

The second leg of the Triple Crown kicks off this Saturday with the 137th Preakness Stakes. Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another will be attempting to notch a second win on his route to the first Triple Crown since Affirmed accomplished the feat in 1978.

Here is a look at the top contenders and the horses who will be entering as longshots among the 11 entrants.

Top Contenders

I'll Have Another

The Derby winner tops this list after a scintillating run down the home stretch at Churchill Downs. I'll Have Another has won three consecutive races and will be looking to make it four at Pimlico on Saturday. 

His performance at the Derby hasn't made him an overwhelming favorite for Saturday's race because his kick came on so late that a shorter course may cause him problems. But that doesn't mean he should be counted out. He showed tremendous heart by coming back late to win the Derby.

Creative Cause

The fifth-place finisher at the Derby, Creative Cause got stuck in traffic, which clearly cost him a high placing. With only 11 horses in the Preakness field, it should be a smoother ride for trainer Mike Harrington's horse. If he's unimpeded this colt could make some noise on Saturday.

Bodemeister

Bob Baffert's Bodemeister finished second at the Kentucky Derby after leading for most of the race. He proved he was the fastest horse in the field, but faded down the stretch as I'll Have Another sneaked past him down the stretch. 

The short, nine-and-a-half furlong course at Pimlico should fit Bodemeister's strengths. As long as he doesn't break too fast, he could leave the field in the dust this time.

Longshots

Zetterholm

The consensus seems to be that Zetterholm is the most interesting longshot in the field. He has won three straight races, but the competition he has faced leaves a lot to be desired. 

He drew the fourth post for the Preakness, which is a good place to start if he can avoid early traffic. Zetterholm hasn't raced since April 6, so he should be well-rested. As long as he can knock the rust off, he could be a surprise competitor.

Tiger Walk

This horse didn't race in the Kentucky Derby, and he drew the No. 1 post, which is always difficult to run from. That should lower his odds considerably, but he has experience with seven races under his saddle. He hasn't won in his past three races, but he has finished in the top four five consecutive times on the track. He could be a surprise that jumps up and makes some noise on Saturday.