Bodemeister Preakness: Latest Odds on Popular Contender

Despite finishing second at the Kentucky Derby, Bodemeister is still the favorite to win the Preakness Stakes at 8-5 odds.

This is not surprising as the colt is trained by Bob Baffert, a legend of the sport. Bodemeister also led for much of the Derby until I'll Have Another burst into first in the final stretch.

The pressure of being the favorite does not bother Baffert who said, "I knew he'd be the favorite because everybody is talking about him. I've won it with the best horse. That's the best advantage I have," via USA Today.

The well-publicized thoroughbred drew a favorable position in the No. 7 post. At the 2010 Preakness, Baffert's horse Lookin' At Lucky won the race from the same post.

Also in Bodemeister's favor, top-class jockey Mike Smith will take the reins on race day. 

With so much going for it, Bodemeister is the rightful favorite. However, the horse ran hard two weeks ago at Churchill Downs and questions loom over its ability to recover in such a short period of time.

But Bodemeister is a rare specimen, and should have no problem being ready for the race at Pimlico. 

At the Derby, Baffert's horse finished the first half of the race in 45.39 seconds. In the race's long history, every other horse to run that fast out of the gate spent all its energy and failed to finish in the top three. In fact, no horse to run the first half that fast finished higher than 13th.

This gives an idea of how special Bodemeister truly is. This horse is unlike nearly every thoroughbred that has come before it.

No other horse in the field can match Bodemeister's speed, and Baffert will be able to add another Triple Crown victory to his résumé after the Preakness is over.