Preakness 2012 Results: I’ll Have Another Wins, Keeps Triple Crown Hopes Alive

Update: Full race results are here.

The second leg of the 2012 Triple Crown got under way Saturday in Baltimore as the 2012 Preakness Stakes was called to the post. The Preakness, always filled with optimism and hopes of a Triple Crown bid continuing to the final jewel, The Belmont, was packed with a strong field, including many Kentucky Derby holdovers and a few new faces. But, as usual, all eyes were focused on the Derby winner, I’ll Have Another this year.

Bodemeister was a slight favorite, at 2-1, heading to the post, with I’ll Have Another close behind at 3-1. I’ll Have Another drew the No. 9 post position, with Bodemeister two slots inside, in the No. 7 gate. The focus heading into the race was on the middle of the starting gate, with the favorites starting in the No. 5 through No. 9 spots.

The horses were loaded into the gates without incident, though Zetterholm had a bit of an issue inside the game, and the 2012 Preakness was off.

As expected, Bodemeister moved to the front to set the pace as they broke for the rail. Bodemeister was in front at the first turn, followed by Pretension, Creative Cause and I’ll Have Another four length behind. The leaders established a pack, breaking from four horses who fell a bit off the pace.

The tempo wasn’t as quick as expected, with Bodemeister leading down the back-stretch, running slower than in the Derby -- 3/4 in 1:11.3. Down the stretch they came, with Bodemeister leading, followed by I’ll Have Another chasing hard. With 100 yards to go, I’ll Have Another broke hard and, amazingly, pulled it off again.

I’ll Have Another with another rabbit out of the hat, running down Bodemeister to nip him at the line and win The Preakness.

Edit: Video of I’ll Have Another’s winning ride at The Preakness.