Preakness Stakes 2012: Power Ranking Top Contenders in Epic Triple Crown Race

The 2012 Preakness Stakes will be running on Saturday night, and it’s time to start taking a serious look at which horse has a real chance to win this thing, while also seeing who else is going to finish near the front of the pack for exactas, trifectas and all of the other wagers that can be made on the race.

Without further adieu, let’s check out the most current odds and predict some finishes.

*Odds via Preakness.com.

Win: Bodemeister, 8/5

Bodemeister’s performance at the Kentucky Derby was epic. He covered an incredible amount of ground in lighting-fast time, but ultimately faltered down the long stretch.

On Pimlico’s shorter track, there won’t be enough distance left for some sneaky rider to catch up towards the finish line and steal his thunder.

Favorites who can run fast tend to win at Preakness, so put Bodemeister down on your wagers as the winner.

Place: I’ll Have Another, 5/2

The champion of the Run for the Roses proved his worth and will give a valiant effort to win the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Unfortunately, it will not be enough, as I’ll Have Another should finish with a place. His ability to break late is great on the longer tracks, but it just won’t get the job done in this race.

Show: Went the Day Well, 6/1

Went the Day Well is another Derby runner who finished in a respectable fourth place.

He showed enough promise in a 20-horse field to let gamblers comfortably wager on him to show. This colt will not be wearing the Blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, but he’ll cash tickets for betting on him to finish in third.

Barring any major gate issues (a recurring problem for Went the Day Well), this may be the safest bet on the board.