Preakness 2012: Smart Selections for Second Race of Triple Crown

As I'll Have Another proved in the Kentucky Derby, the smart selections in horse racing are usually the ones that provide the best value, not always the favorites. The same theory will likely hold true in Saturday's Preakness Stakes as well.

Here's a look at three horses that should provide plenty of value and should be in the mix in the second leg of the Triple Crown. The smaller field should allow these horses to shine after coming up short at Churchill Downs.

Went the Day Well

Went the Day Well finished fourth in the derby, which is even more impressive when you consider he was at the back of the pack for most of the early going. The poor start doomed his chances of winning, but the comeback illustrated his immense talent.

With less horses to compete with, he should have no problem getting off to a clean start. That should allow Went the Day Well to show off more of the ability he utilized to win his final two tuneup races prior to the Kentucky Derby.

It's clear he has the closing speed necessary to make a charge down the stretch. As long as he doesn't get caught in the back again, he'll be a sleeper pick.

Creative Cause

Just when it looked like Creative Cause was ready to make a late run at the Kentucky Derby, he ran out of gas and finished respectability in fifth. The shorter distance should benefit him as will the decrease in field size.

The derby marked the first time in his career that he finished outside the money, so he always manages to get in the mix. The Preakness shouldn't be any different, especially since he has some experience racing on short rest earlier in his career.

Everything sets up well for Creative Cause no matter what angle you look at the race. So he should be a popular selection in all exotic bets for the big race.

Daddy Nose Best

A late addition to the Preakness, Daddy Nose Best will be looking to rebound from a lackluster 10th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. He was caught in traffic for basically the entire run, sapping most of his energy early.

Prior to that showing he had won three of his past four starts, including a solid showing in the Sunland Derby in late March. It's fair to expect a performance more in line with those victories than what everybody seen on the grand stage a few weeks ago.

Since he was a popular sleeper pick in the derby, his value wasn't too good. That should level out this time around, making Daddy Nose Best a wise choice.