Preakness 2012 Highlights: I'll Have Another Proves Track Length Doesn't Matter

I'll Have Another has proven he is the rare performer that rises to the occasion, no matter the situation, or distance of the race. In another amazing run at a Triple Crown event, I'll Have Another chased down Bodemeister like a thief in the night—for the second time in two weeks—to capture the second jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday.

In case you missed it, here is a replay:

The win at the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course was almost more amazing than his Kentucky Derby win. He was a 15-1 underdog for the Derby because he was a bit of an unknown, but at Pimlico, his odds were 3-1, and he couldn't sneak up on anyone.

Still, he produced the same result.

Even more impressive was the fact that the shorter track at Pimlico should have put him at a disadvantage. I'll Have Another is a remarkable closer, but with the favored Bodemeister being such a fast-starter, it seemed he may not have the time to catch him from behind.

But just as he did at the Derby, I'll Have Another victimized Bodemeister again with a late charge. This proves the horse has a feel for the finish line, and that jockey Mario Gutierrez is completely in-tune with the horse.

Their chemistry is as big a part of the horse's success as is his pure speed. When jockey and horse are as in-the-zone as these two are, they are tough to beat.

It's hard to predict what changes or obstacles could befall the horse from now to June 9, when the Belmont Stakes is run. The horse racing world has to feel as confident in this horse as any with a shot at the Triple Crown.

I'll Have Another is in position to rule the mile-and-a-half Belmont, the same as he has the shorter Derby and Preakness.

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