I’ll Have Another Takes the Preakness Stakes

Once again Bodemeister was the favorite heading into the race, but it was I'll Have Another that decided to, well--have another.

For much of the race it appeared as if it was Bodemeister's race to lose. As the horses made the final turn, Bodemeister was out in front and running strong. However, just like at the Kentucky Derby a couple weeks ago, I'll Have Another came charging on the outside looking to win the Race for the Black-Eyed Susans.

Unlike the Kentucky Derby though, this one went down to the wire with I'll Have Another edging Bodemeister by a neck to get the win.

This puts I'll Have Another in pretty rare company. Few horses get the chance to make a run for the Triple Crown of horse racing; winning the Kentucy Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. The first was Sir Barton who did the deed way back in 1919. The last was Affirmed in 1978 (there have been 11 total in 136 tries).

There have been a number that have tried and failed to join the privileged ranks of thoroughbred racing's elite horses. There have been 50 horses that won two of the three races (I'll Have Another makes 51). Of those 22 had a shot at the Triple Crown having won the first two races and failed.

So either way, I'll Have Another will join pretty rare company in three weeks following the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The question till then will it be the company he wants to be in.

Article by Travis Pulver