Preakness 2012 Horses: Contenders That Are Making Triple Crown Debuts

The Preakness Stakes will feature several horses that didn't take part in the Kentucky Derby, which means they should be more rested than their counterparts that raced two weeks ago. It's a major reason there hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in more than 30 years.

Let's take a look at three of the top contenders among horses making their Triple Crown debuts. For a complete look at the field for Saturday's marquee race, click here.

Teeth of the Dog

Teeth of the Dog last raced in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial, finishing in third behind derby horses Gemologist and Alpha. He's finished in the money in all four of his career races and showed no ill effects from increasing the level of competition.

He has never raced at the Preakness distance. That means post position will be key. Trainer Michael Matz won't want him to start on the extreme outside, where he'll have to exert a lot of energy early in order to find the rail.

As long as his starting gate isn't an issue, Teeth of the Dog has the speed to keep up with the favorites and the experience in the Wood Memorial will pay off.

Pretension

After a strong start to his career that featured three top-two finishes, Pretension went through a little slump earlier this year that had many questioning his Triple Crown ability. He got back on track with a win in the Cananero, though.

That race takes place at Pimlico Race Course, which is also where the Preakness Stakes are held. So Pretension should be well acclimated to the track conditions by the time the biggest race of his career kicks off on Saturday.

With those previous disappointing results a thing of the past, look for Pretension to make a strong run as they come down the stretch. He'll be an undervalued option.

Zetterholm

Zetterholm has never faced the level of competition he will in the Preakness, but it's impossible to ignore his results. He has won three straight races and hasn't finished out of the money all year, steadily improving with each race.

For example, he came in second in a mile race back in January that finished in just over one minute and 40 seconds. In his last race, he covered the same distance more than three seconds quicker en route to victory. Progress has been made.

That should allow him to peak at the right time. It wouldn't be a shock to see him run his best race ever in the Preakness, and that will put Zetterholm in the mix.