2012 Preakness Post Positions: Which Long Shots Got a Boost from Draw?
The 2012 Preakness is going to be the year of the long shot. This is going to provide for some huge paydays all across the board.
The two favorites, I'll Have Another and Bodemeister, both have serious vulnerabilities. Bodemeister is going to burn himself out early, and the race isn't long enough for I'll Have Another to dominate with that strong finishing kick.
And the rest of the field falls into the medium- to long-shot range. Check out which of the horses, outside of the four with the lowest odds, got a boost from their post position, and check out the post positions for the entire field below.
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Post No. 1: Tiger Walk, 20/1
Tiger Walk did not race in the Kentucky Derby, but he has good experience against top fields. His last time on the track, he came in fourth behind Gemologist, Alpha and Teeth of the Dog.
One of the problems Tiger Walk has had in these races is with his focus. To help with that, Tiger Walk will wear blinders for the first time.
His problems with focus will also be aided by the fact he is starting against the rail. Obviously, this means he won't have a horse on the other side of him.
If he can get off to a fast start, he will have a clear track in front of him, and will be able to run his race.
Post No. 4: Zetterholm, 20/1
This horse would have been a solid dark horse from any position, and he managed to get an ideal spot in No. 4.
Zetterholm is getting stronger with each effort. He enter this race off of three straight wins. In order they were a maiden, an allowance and a New York-bred stake race.
The jump in competition will be a tad daunting, but if he keeps progressing he will be able to handle. Starting in fourth, he is in a good position to slide over to the rail. He is also just inside the favorites.
This will allow him to easily attach to one of the favorites and pick his spot to attack later in the race.
Post No. 10: Optimizer, 12/1
Optimizer was disappointing at the Kentucky Derby with an 11th-place finish. This horse has potential though.
He has a strong finishing kick, which makes starting on the outside for him a nice spot.
He is also just outside the pack of favorites bunched in the middle. Optimizer can let them clear a path to the rail, and hang back hoping someone sets an early pace.
If that happens, he has a decent shot of making a late run.
*Post positions according to NJ.com.
*Odds via AllHorseRacing.com.
| 1. | Tiger Walk | K. Desormeaux | 20/1 |
| 2. | Teeth of the Dog | J. Bravo | 20/1 |
| 3. | Pretension | J. Santiago | 25/1 |
| 4. | Zetterholm | J. Alvarado | 20/1 |
| 5. | Went the Day Well | J. Velazquez | 8/1 |
| 6. | Creative Cause | J. Rosario | 8/1 |
| 7. | Bodemeister | M. Smith | 3/1 |
| 8. | Daddy Nose Best | J. Leparoux | N/A |
| 9. | I'll Have Another | M. Guitierrez | 3/1 |
| 10. | Optimizer | C. Nakatani | 12/1 |
| 11. | Cozzetti | J. Lezcano | 20/1 |
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