Preakness 2012 Odds: Long Shots Who Will Pay Huge Dividends

Betting on a long shot is a risk that everyone wants to take. If you hit big, you can brag to everyone around you that you know more than they do.

The Preakness Stakes is the best of the Triple Crown races to gamble on an underdog, because the track is short and stamina doesn't play a huge role in the outcome of the race. All 11 horses in the field are able to go all-out, right from the start. 

Since you are busy searching for a long shot to bet on before the Preakness kicks off later today, here are the best bets to make you look like a genius. 

Teeth Of The Dog (15-1)

One thing that Teeth Of The Dog has going for him is a favorable post position and the ability to get on the inside for the long stretch at the end of the race. He is going to be starting at the No. 2 post, so he should have no problem staying inside all the action and forcing everyone else to go outside around him. 

Teeth Of The Dog is not a burner, but the long straight track at Pimlico will make it easier for him to accelerate. As long as he is in one of the top three spots coming down the back stretch, he is going to be fine. If he has to play catch-up, he is in trouble. 

Zetterholm (20-1)

Of all the underdogs in this race, Zetterholm is my favorite. He has really come into his own, with three wins in his last three races. Granted, those wins have been in low-profile events, but at least he has taken care of business. 

Zetterholm has the body and speed to lead this race wire-to-wire. Unlike Teeth Of The Dog, he has what it takes to get to the front of the pack, even if he doesn't start out strong. That final stretch is going to determine his success or failure on this track. 

Given his performance in recent months, Zetterholm deserves better than 20-1 odds in this race. Take advantage of it now, because they will probably go down as the day progresses. 

Tiger Walk (30-1)

One thing that Tiger Walk has going against him is being put up against the rail out of the gate. While some horses can't hold their own with the No. 1 post position, Tiger Walk is the kind of thoroughbred that does well against the rail. 

No one expects him to come out of the gate in the lead. Instead, he has to make sure that he is hanging with the pack early and then makes a surge late. He isn't fast enough to set the pace for an entire race, but he does have the means to make a push on a long straightaway.

Odds courtesy of Preakness.com

Post	Horse	Jockey	Odds
1.	Tiger Walk	K. Desormeaux	30-1
2.	Teeth of the Dog	J. Bravo	15-1
3.	Pretension	J. Santiago	30-1
4.	Zetterholm	J. Alvarado	20-1
5.	Went the Day Well	J. Velazquez	6-1
6.	Creative Cause	J. Rosario	6-1
7.	Bodemeister	M. Smith	8-5
8.	Daddy Nose Best	J. Leparoux	12-1
9.	I'll Have Another	M. Gutierrez	5-2
10.	Optimizer	C. Nakatani	30-1
11.	Cozzetti	J. Lezcano	30-1

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