Kentucky Derby 2012 Results: Why Bodemeister Should Enter the Preakness Stakes

Even though Bodemeister couldn't hold on to his lead during the final stretch of the 2012 Kentucky Derby, trainer Bob Baffert would be wise to enter the horse in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 19.

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"He ran his race," said Bob Baffert via the L.A. Times, who runs his barn out of Southern California. "He was there and just got tired a little bit. He's only run four times, and I was really proud of him. He's a super impressive horse.

"I will let him tell me if he's ready, like I did with Lookin at Lucky," Baffert said via Brisnet.com.

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Bodemeister was really impressive at Churchill Downs on Saturday, and got to a big lead before I'll Have Another passed him in the final moments.

There's no question that this horse has what it takes to win at the Preakness and spoil I'll Have Another's pursuit of the historic Triple Crown, which hasn't been accomplished since 1978 when Affirmed did it.

Baffert is a Hall of Fame trainer and will make the right decision, but he has to be cautious about overworking his horse.

Bodemeister has participated in five races in 2012 alone and we are only about five months into the year. Tiring out the horse and putting too much on its plate could be a big mistake.

If Bodemeister trains well over the next few days, then it should be entered into the Preakness. This horse has the speed and endurance to withstand a tough challenge at Pimlico, and win the race.