Preakness Stakes 2012 Results: I'll Have Another Set Up Nicely for Triple Crown

For the first time since 2008, the winner of the Kentucky Derby has taken home first place at the Preakness Stakes. I'll Have Another once again upset Bodemeister and remains alive for the Triple Crown.

As we know, no horse has won all three legs since 1978 and the victory by I'll Have Another only intensifies the implications at Belmont. That said, along with his momentum, let's see how else the Triple Crown is set up for I'll Have Another to claim.

No Pressure

Entering the Belmont Stakes, the main reason why I'll Have Another and jockey Mario Gutierrez need not feel any pressure is because a loss just puts them in good company.

With no Triple Crown claimed in over 30 years, the duo certainly has an excellent opportunity to make their mark on the sport. A loss doesn't take away from what's already accomplished.

As more and more experience is gained, that's when the pressure builds because Gutierrez and I'll Have Another will be expected to continue winning at a consistently high level. Right now both are synced well and the odds of getting in this position again are in their favor.

Environment

Not only is the third leg of the Triple Crown raced in New York, but the longer track favors I'll Have Another to explode out of the final turn and into the stretch.

So far the horse has gone above and beyond expectations by thriving on bigger and bigger stages. The prep races can't be compared to the Kentucky Derby or Preakness, but those stages were the beginning of I'll Have Another's current position.

And after taking the victory in Kentucky, the Preakness had bigger implications (as it does for every horse that wins at Churchill Downs). Still, I'll Have Another responded and now the biggest of stages in horse racing is set for Belmont Park.

Momentum

What's most impressive about the run currently put on by I'll Have Another is the length. Winning at Churchill Downs and Pimlico gives the horse momentum and confidence for Belmont, but we also have to look further back.

Heading into the Kentucky Derby, I'll Have Another was already on a roll with two consecutive wins at Santa Anita. Both were in 2012 and the track length gradually built up the stamina to prepare for the Breeders' Cup.

After winning in Kentucky, the shorter track at the Preakness was a smooth ride for Gutierrez. Belmont Park is the longest of the races for I'll Have Another but the confidence going in provides an advantage once the gates open.