Preakness Stakes 2012: Hyped-Up Favorites Sure to Struggle at Pimlico

As usual, the Preakness Stakes is bound to feature some favorites that simply won't live up to the hype.

That's why we love horse racing—it's unpredictable. Handicappers can try to figure out who has the edge and what horse is better suited for which track, but inevitably there are always some disappointing horses and some underdogs that pull off the upset.

These favorites may struggle to live up to expectations when they run at Pimlico.

I'll Have Another

Unfortunately the chances of a triple crown in 2012 aren't great. I'll Have Another was able to pull out a remarkable win at the Kentucky Derby, but the chances of a repeat performance are lower than expected.

Currently, I'll Have Another has 5-2 odds, but the chances of beating Kentucky Derby runner-up and Preakness favorite, Bodemeister aren't great. I'll Have Another was able to take advantage of sloppy track conditions in Louisville to pull off the upset their but will have no such luck in Baltimore on what is expected to be a much nicer track.

Given Bodemeister's solid performance at Churchill Downs and favorite status in the Preakness, I'll Have Another will be a race day disappointment for those wanting to see a shot at a triple crown.

Went The Day Well

Went The Day Well has been a trendy sleeper pick whose stock has continued to rise as race day nears. Went the Day Well sits at 8-to-1 as it stands now which places him behind only co-favorites Bodemeister and I'll Have Another.

Went The Day Well ran very well at the Kentucky Derby but ended up falling behind both of those horses. The horse will have a chance to redeem itself at the Pimlico, but the fact that it has already lost to both I'll Have Another and Bodemeister doesn't bode well for its chances at Pimlico.

With very few legitimate favorites at the top of the field, the Preakness should be a wide-open race that gives some longshots a very good opportunity to make a name for themselves.