Preakness Stakes 2012: Date, Race Start Time, Weather Updates and More

I'll Have Another made a tremendous charge down the stretch at the Kentucky Derby to win the first leg of the Triple Crown. Now he'll face another talented field in the Preakness Stakes as the three-year-old colt attempts to move within one victory of horse racing's most elusive accomplishment.

No horse was won the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978, which came just one year after Seattle Slew pulled off the feat. Since then, a total of 11 horses have won the first two legs but failed to finish the job in the Belmont Stakes.

A mix of fellow Kentucky Derby horses and new contenders will attempt to end I'll Have Another's time at the top on Saturday. The horses with fresh legs always pose a threat because the Derby contenders aren't usually to racing such a tight schedule.

With all that in mind, let's take a look at all the key information for the Preakness Stakes.

Where: Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md.

When: Saturday, May 19

Start Time: 6:18 p.m.

Watch: NBC

Weather Forecast: 75 degrees with a zero percent chance of rain (via weather.com)

Horses to Watch

I'll Have Another

The most important thing to remember about I'll Have Another is that he was never a long-shot horse. An extreme outside post position, which dooms most horses, was the only reason he wasn't a more popular Kentucky Derby pick.

Since there are fewer contenders in the Preakness, post position shouldn't be an issue. That gives I'll Have Another an even better chance to pick up another victory. Coming back off a short layoff will be the tough test, though.

Overall, I'll Have Another has won four of his six career starts, including two straight Grade 1 wins. He has only finished out of the money once, and that came at a much shorter distance. So expect him to get right back in the mix on Saturday.

Bodemeister

Bodemeister looked like he was going to run away with the Kentucky Derby for awhile, but he didn't have a late kick left, allowing I'll Have Another to storm across the finish line first. He was still able to hold on for second, though.

Bob Baffert has been through enough Triple Crowns to understand what it takes for a horse to succeed on short rest. The fact that he decided Bodemeister was prepared to return in two weeks is a great sign for the horse's chances.

The slightly shorter distance should benefit Bodemeister, and jockey Mike Smith will be more aware of saving some energy for the stretch run. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Derby runner-up is able to exact some revenge with a Preakness win.

Zetterholm

One of the new horses to enter the fray, Zetterholm comes off three straight victories and should be well rested since he hasn't raced since early April. It's yet to be seen if the horse has reached his peak, but he has plenty of upside.

The track record of success makes him the most intriguing horse making a Triple Crown debut. As I'll Have Another illustrated, knowing how to win often trumps secondary factors like post position and pedigree.

Zetterholm has never raced at the Preakness distance, but he has been slowly working up to it and hasn't had any issues along the way. Depending on his odds, he has some real sleeper potential and a real chance to pull off a shocker.