2012 Preakness Post Positions: Bodemeister Will Thrive Running from Post 7

Bodemeister was one of the favorites to win the 2012 Preakness Stakes before we knew the post positions, so I can only imagine how good people are feeling about the horse now that we know where he is running from.

Bodemeister was one of the big names coming into the Preakness, mainly because of his great showing at the 2012 Kentucky Derby. He didn't end up wining the race—I'll Have Another caught a final burst on the homestretch and overcame Bodemeister and Trinniberg—but he showed us what he is capable of.

Even though he ran out of steam at the end, Bodemeister was able to fire right out of the gate and maintain the lead for about 90 percent of the race. He looked confident, strong and didn't seem to mind setting the pace, which are all great things.

While the poor finish may concern some, remember the Preakness is a shorter race than the Derby, so he won't have to run as long this time around.

The official post positions have been picked and Bodemeister will be running from the No. 7 position.

This is a spot that the horse's trainer is happy about, according to quotes via Jack Shinar of Bloodhorse on ESPN.com:

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Bodemeister, who was sent off the slight 4-1 favorite for the Derby, can give trainer Bob Baffert his sixth Preakness victory and his first since Lookin At Lucky won the race in 2010.

Baffert was not present at the draw but later said, "I think it's a good post. With him, anything in the middle would have been fine. In the Preakness, you just don't want to be stuck down on the inside, where you have to use your horse a little bit.

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Bodemeister should be able to thrive running from the seven post.

He'll have the advantage of being able to get out in front of the field and set the pace, and he won't have to worry about getting trapped on the inside if he were to stick with the crowd.

That's not something I foresee happening, though. If the Kentucky Derby was any indication of what to expect, Bodemeister should get out front in a hurry.

If he can get a lead, there is a good chance he's going to keep it this time.