2012 Preakness Post Positions: Contenders Who Should Be Worried After Post Draw

In an 11-horse field, you don't have to worry about post position much, but that doesn't mean he can't hurt you.

Several contenders heading into the 2012 Preakness Stakes post draw on Wednesday were gearing up for a run at glory, but their post positions should make bettors wary.

Here's a look at some legitimate contenders who hit a snag on Wednesday.

3. I'll Have Another

I'll Have Another beat 15-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby this year, closing in dramatic fashion, but his No. 9 post position isn't exactly historically favorable, as I noted previously.

No horse has even placed in the Preakness Stakes at No. 9 in the past 10 years (in races with more than 10 horses). Given where some other favorites are positioned, I don't see I'll Have Another winning the second leg of the Triple Crown.

2. Creative Cause

The Kentucky Derby was the first time Creative Cause didn't place in nine career starts, finishing fifth. And despite his consistency the past two years and his win in the San Felipe Stakes, he's in the No. 6 post position, which has historically been rough on horses. It doesn't help that he's sandwiched in between favorite Bodemeister and Went the Day Well.

1. Optimizer

Optimizer is not only outclassed by Creative Cause and I'll Have Another, he starts in the No. 10 post position, where no horse has placed in the past 10 years. I actually had Optimizer as a dark horse candidate before the post draw, given he placed second in the Rebel Stakes this year and had enlisted the help of five-time Preakness winner D. Wayne Lukas. But I'm not liking his chances now.

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