Preakness 2012: Bodemeister and Other Smart Picks

Picking Bodemeister to win the 2012 Preakness Stakes would be a good, smart choice, but he's not the only horse worth a look.

While Bodemeister is undoubtedly the favorite, and for good reason, there's not always a guarantee that the favorite will win.

Actually, it seems like that a horse that nobody is picking comes out of nowhere for the big win. Look no further than Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another. Not many people were expecting him in the winner's circle.

That being said, Bodemeister looked great at the Derby, and there's a very good chance that he'll be successful at the Preakness.There's a reason he's the favorite, it's because he's literally that good.

Here's a quick take on Bodemeister and a few smart choices to win it all at the 2012 Preakness Stakes.


Bodemeister , 8-1 Morning Line

What has so many people high on Bodemeister is the incredible speed and grace he showed at the Kentucky Derby. He got a great break out of the gates, got himself up in front and held the lead for about 90 percent of the race before slowing down and getting passed.

While he did lose, he looked incredible for the time he was in the lead, and he has the chance to go wire-to-wire in this shorter race.

He had no trouble getting in front and setting the pace and will most likely be able to do the same thing starting at post No. 7 for the Preakness.

If you're looking for the smart choice, there's a great chance Bodemeister will pull it off.


I'll Have Another, 5-2 Morning Line

You have to give I'll Have Another credit due to the fact that he won the Kentucky Derby. I'd be a bit hesitant to bank on a repeat performance—considering it's so hard to do and the odds are firmly against the horse—but the more I watch his Kentucky Derby run, the better I feel about him.

If you take a look at the final turn and watch how gracefully he took it, turned on the boosters and overcame Bodemeister, it will really make you feel good about taking this horse for another go around at the Preakness.

It's going to be tough to overcome those odds, but I'll Have Another is a good looking horse and proved that he has what it takes to win big.


Went The Day Well, 6-1 Morning Line

Went The Day Well is easily my sleeper pick coming into the Preakness. He had a very good showing at the Kentucky Derby—ending up fourth because of a tremendous finish—and he has an incredible track record.

He had two first-place finishes, a fourth place, and two second-place finishes under his belt before the Derby, so that, plus his showing at the Derby, shows that he can consistently finish up in the front.

He also has a very good team, as he is trained and jockeyed by the pair that won the 2011 Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom.

All signs point to a good showing from Went The Day Well, which makes him a very smart pick.