Preakness 2012: Why I'll Have Another Is in Prime Position for Win

I'll Have Another used a late charge to storm past Bodemeister and into the Kentucky Derby winner's circle. Now the inevitable questions about winning the triple crown will arise. At the very least, the colt has set himself up for a strong run at the Preakness.

Despite all the talk about I'll Have Another being a surprising victor, his track record heading into the biggest race of the year was actually pretty good.

He won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby leading up to the Kentucky Derby, so it wasn't like he hadn't proven his ability to beat elite horses. He was often overlooked because usually horses that start on the extreme outside run out of steam before the finish line.

Instead, a terrific ride by jockey Mario Gutierrez allowed I'll Have Another to have enough energy left to make the late push just when it appeared Bodemeister was going to pull away. It was a great example of how good I'll Have Another can be.

Since there aren't as many horses in the Preakness, it's almost a guarantee that he'll draw a better post position, which significantly increases his chances. If he can come from post No. 19 at Churchill Downs, there isn't a starting spot at Pimlico that should worry trainer Doug O'Neill.

With one less concern heading into the next leg, I'll Have Another should be considered a strong contender to head to the Belmont with a chance at the first triple crown since Affirmed in 1978.

He's going to face another tough field, so it will take another tremendous run to make it happen. However, anybody who writes off his derby victory as a fluke will do so at their own peril. He was a strong horse before the Kentucky Derby and he proved it.

It would be a surprise if I'll Have Another isn't in the mix as they come down the stretch in the Preakness.