Preakness 2012: Latest News and Info on Biggest Long Shots

The Preakness Stakes features a deep field of horses, including Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another and second-place finisher Bodemeister. But fans often look for a couple dark horses to keep an eye on heading into the marquee race.

Let's take a look at the four longest shots based on the morning line odds and break down their chances of making an impact on the race. For more information about all of the contenders hoping to find the winner's circle, click here.

Tiger Walk

Tiger Walk hasn't won a race since December and has only finished in the money three times in six starts. He finished fourth in the Wood Memorial last month against several non-contending Triple Crown horses, limiting his upside on Saturday.

Chris Korman of the Baltimore Sun reports that there will be a jockey change on Tiger Walk, with Ramon Dominguez taking over from Kent Desormeaux. Dominguez has never ridden the long shot before, making it even tougher to believe he'll be in the mix.

Pretension

Pretension should enter the Preakness on a high note after winning the Cananero II Stakes two weeks ago. That race also took place at Pimlico, which means he should be acclimated to the track, making him a potential sleeper pick.

He almost didn't join the race at all, however. The horse's owner was worried about starting him on short rest, before ultimately deciding to move forward, according to the Associated Press. Since he's going against mostly horses that also raced two weeks ago, fatigue shouldn't be an issue.

Optimizer

One of the Kentucky Derby long shots returns for another opportunity. Optimizer finished a distant 11th at Churchill Downs and was never a threat to win. He only has one career victory, and that was in August of last year. He's got high odds for a reason.

An advantage he does have is legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The Hall of Famer has had the winning horse in the Preakness five previous times, based on a report from David Ginsburg of the AP. That leadership won't be enough for Optimizer, though.

Cozzetti

Another newcomer, Cozzetti has only finished in the money twice in seven career starts. His only victory came late last year against inferior competition. Starting from the extreme outside doesn't help his cause, either.

The only bright side for Cozzetti was a strong workout on Monday. Brisnet.com reports he covered five furlongs in just under 59 seconds. That's a good sign heading into the Preakness, but it will take more than speed to win.