2012 Preakness Post Time: When and Where to Watch Star-Studded Race

The 2012 Preakness Stakes doesn't arrive with the same amount of pomp and circumstance that the Kentucky Derby does, but the stakes—no pun intended—are high for every thoroughbred in the race. 

When the horses arrive at Pimlico race track to line up in post position at 6:18 p.m. ET on Saturday, it is imperative that their jockeys maintain control of the situation that is in front of them. Adrenaline runs high in a race of this magnitude, and the slightest misstep can change everything. 

Where: Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore

When: Saturday, May 19 at 6:18 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Obviously, Kentucky Derby favorite Bodemeister and Derby champion I'll Have Another will command everyone's attention. Still, it would be a mistake to look beyond the rest of the field, as the Preakness is much different from that Derby. 

While the Preakness may not be the Triple Crown race that everyone pays the most attention to, it is arguably the most important. 

Everyone knows that the Kentucky Derby sets up one horse for a potential Triple Crown year, which hasn't happened since Affirmed in 1978. But the Preakness is where we learn whether to watch the Belmont Stakes in anticipation of seeing another horse win all three stages, or if we will be forced to speculate on who will go for it all next year. 

I'll Have Another is under intense scrutiny to make this Triple Crown season his own. So far, so good, but there is a long way to go before we learn anything. A lot of our questions will be answered on Saturday. 

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