I'll Have Another winner of The Preakness Stakes Gr-1

The Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another, wrapped up the G1 Preakness Stakes in a rousing finishing, edging out Bodemeister in the dying moments of the race. The son of Flower Alley is now a step closer in his bid for the Triple Crown.

Bodemeister set the ball rolling in front with Creative Clause being the closest behind. I’ll Have Another had a fairly good take off from the gates and raced three away for most part of the race. Approaching the last three furlongs Bodemeister continued to rule the roost with a three lengths leeway and jockey Mario Gutierrez on I’ll Have Another contemplating on whether to make his move on the inside of Creative Cause or to take the outer path. I’ll Have Another picked up speed 1 ½ furlongs out and collared Bodemeister in the last couple of strides, to replicate their Kentucky Derby finish a fortnight ago. Creative Cause lost pace and finished third almost nine lengths adrift. Jockey Gutierrez who acknowledged that he was expecting a fight towards the closing stages said,  "I knew it was going to be a little bit of a tough race but I'll Have Another had a tremendous kick in the end. So I could feel my horse racing ground and everything was definitely the way. So it's a great feeling when you're riding a horse that's giving you a hundred percent. He's an amazing horse."

"The great part of I'll Have Another is that any of us could have a horse like this," said trainer O'Neill. "He didn't cost a million bucks. But he's got the heart of a champion, the stride of a champion, and the mind of a champion.”

I’ll Have Another is on course to be crowned the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years and the big day will be on June 9th at Belmont Park.