Preakness Draw 2012: I'll Have Another and More Contenders That Have an Edge

I'll Have Another overcame a tough field and a poor post position to win the Kentucky Derby and now sits just two wins away from claiming the first Triple Crown since 1978. After his great comeback, he should be considered a strong contender in the Preakness Stakes.

Let's take a closer look at I'll Have Another and a couple other elite horses that have an edge as they prepare to converge on Pimlico Race Course. For all the latest updates on the race draw, visit the official Preakness site.

Bodemeister

For nearly the entire stretch run at Churchill Downs, it appeared Bodemeister was going to pull it out, but I'll Have Another's late charge was enough. Bodemeister didn't have enough energy left to make one final kick when he needed it.

The Preakness is a slightly shorter race, which should help his cause, and jockey Mike Smith should have a better understanding of the colt's tendencies. That combination should ensure he's right back in the mix this time around.

Bodemeister has finished first or second in all five of his career races, and there's no reason to believe another strong performance isn't on the horizon.

I'll Have Another

Most people didn't give I'll Have Another much of a chance in the Kentucky Derby. The main reason wasn't a lack of ability, however. Rather, starting on the outside like he did in gate No. 19 usually yields disappointing results.

Credit Mario Gutierrez for a nearly perfect ride that allowed I'll Have Another to even have a chance down the stretch. He's not a well-known jockey, but you can figure his name will become a lot more popular now with a Derby win under his belt.

Horse racing fans still seem a bit unsure about I'll Have Another's potential despite the major victory, but look for another strong finish to get him some more respect.

Creative Cause

Creative Cause finished in fifth place in the Kentucky Derby, which is a respectable result considering the field, but it never seemed like he reached his peak. The smaller field he'll face this time should allow him to have a better overall showing.

The best thing about Creative Cause is experience. The Preakness will be his 10th career start with five of those being Grade 1 races. Just like human athletes, the more often a horse takes to the track, the more comfortable they become.

Since he was able to finish just outside the money without having his best run, it's safe to assume Creative Cause should improve at Pimlico.