Preakness 2012 Post Positions: Horses That Lucked out in Draw

The Preakness post positions have been revealed, and Bodemeister and several other big-name horses lucked out in the draw.

Post position can mean everything in a race. The Preakness is a slightly shorter race than the Kentucky Derby, meaning that a good starting point could allow any horse to break away and set the pace of the race.

It’s also a shorter playing field, with only 11 horses participating. That reduces the chances of a horse becoming lost in the crowd, especially if they start from a good post position.

Let’s take a look at the horses that lucked out at this year’s Preakness.

1. Tiger Walk

Tiger Walk has yet to win an event this year, but that could change now thanks to an outstanding draw for the Preakness.

He’s a young horse that can be a bit unpredictable, but his chances have skyrocketed. Also, his two wins from a year ago were on short fields similar to Preakness.

The No. 1 post position allows Tiger Walk to hug the rail and never get caught up in the crowd. This could allow him to break away and set the pace all the way to victory.

5. Went The Day Well

At the Kentucky Derby, Went The Day Well had everything go wrong and still managed to finish in fourth after making a strong late push.

He won’t need a strong late push on such a short track and with great starting position. Went The Day Well should be able to use his impressive burst to get ahead of the pack and never look back.

History is also on his side, as last year’s winner, Shackleford, started from the fifth position as well.

6. Creative Cause

Creative Cause got lost in the pack at the Kentucky Derby. That won’t happen here at Pimlico, thanks to a small field of participants and a strong starting position.

He’s good at maintaining his speed and looked great at the Kentucky Derby, despite struggling to break away from the crowd. His combination of burst and speed from the sixth spot could allow him to lead the pack from the beginning.

7. Bodemeister

Bodemeister was the favorite coming into the Preakness thanks to an outstanding showing at the Kentucky Derby. He was out front early but lost steam as the race wore on and was eventually passed by I’ll Have Another.

That won’t happen again.

Bodemeister is in a perfect position to blow away the competition from the seventh slot. He’ll be able to get out in front of the small group of horses and put some distance between him and the crowd that not even I’ll Have Another will be able to make up. 

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