Preakness 2012 Odds: Creative Cause and Mid-Level Horses You Should Consider

Everyone knows that Bodemeister and I'll Have Another are the odds-on favorites to win the 2012 Preakness, but you should consider betting on Creative Cause and a couple of other mid-level horses who have a chance to pull of a huge upset.

Horse racing isn't an exact science. Just take a look at what happened to Union Rags at the Kentucky Derby. He was considered to be one of the major contenders, right along with Bodemeister, but he got pinched right from the beginning and never recovered.

Anything can happen, which is why you need to consider these three horses.

Creative Cause 10/1 Odds

Creative Cause finished in fifth place at the Kentucky Derby, and it's conceivable he can do even better at the Preakness Stakes.

According to Sporting News, trainer Mike Harrington was a bit worried his horse had lost his enthusiasm after the Derby, but after a few days of rest, the colt is looks ready to take on the next challenge.

Creative Cause showed plenty of enthusiasm in his training sessions at Hollywood Park, and according to Harrington, "I think he’s got his mojo back. If the flight takes it out of him, we’ll have to see."

This colt is ready to make a strong push at the Preakness, and at 10/1 odds he's worth taking a strong look at for my money.

Optimizer 12/1 Odds

The Kentucky Derby was a race that trainer D. Wayne Lukas and Optimizer would rather forget after finishing in 11th place, but there is good reason to believe the colt will run a better race at the Preakness.

Lukas has trained five Preakness winners in the past, according to the Washington Examiner, and he is confident Optimizer is up to the task this year.

According to Brisnet.com, Lukas was thrilled after Optimizer's latest training run in Kentucky on a sloppy track, saying, "Every 10 years, they get it right. That was perfect."

I'd be willing to lay down some cash on the chance that Optimizer will at least place in this year's 2012 Preakness at 12/1 odds.

Cozzetti 20/1 Odds

Bettor.com reports that Cozzetti is replacing Dullahan at this year's Preakness.

Cozzetti is a deep closer who is running well right now. His latest work on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs was impressive, as trainer Dale Romans said, via bloodhorse.com: "He’s ready to go, We wanted a good work and he likes a track with a little water on it. I think he’s going to run huge."

Admittedly, Cozzetti is a long shot to win the Preakness, but considering he's running well, at 20/1 odds, he's worth taking a gamble on.

Follow @JesseReed78