Preakness 2012: I'll Have Another's Latest Odds and Projections for Saturday

After I'll Have Another's glorious run at the Kentucky Derby, it's no wonder that he's a favorite at the 2012 Preakness Stakes.

In addition, I'll Have Another grabbed the No. 9 post position in the draw on Wednesday, leading trainer Doug O’Neill to say he felt "very good about it," via the Washington Post.

But, historically speaking, I'll Have Another did not grab a favorable post position.

The last time a horse slotted in No. 9 won the Preakness was in 2003. The last time the No. 9 post placed in a field of more than 10 horses was in 1997. 

Sure, post position at the Preakness isn't generally as important as it is at the Kentucky Derby, but there is enough historical evidence to suggest that I'll Have Another should be worried about his slot. 

On the flip side, 8-5 favorite Bodemeister has the highly desirable No. 7 post. The No. 7 post has produced two winners at the Preakness in the past four years. Starting in the middle of the field has generally worked out well for contenders.

I'll Have Another may still place based purely on his electric 2012, but I have a hard time believing he will defy history, especially with some solid horses in the field who have good position, including Went the Day Well.

After the draw on Wednesday, I'll Have Another was given 5-2 odds—second-best in the field. Those odds should prove too high come Saturday at Pimlico. 

I'll Have Another has more to overcome on Saturday than Bodemeister. He has to overcome history.

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