In a carbon copy of the Kentucky Derby, the Doug O’Neill trained colt I’ll Have Another ran down pacemaker Bodemeister to win the G1 Preakness Stakes (1900m) at Pimlico on Saturday.

Bodemeister held the advantage until I’ll Have Another ranged up in the shadows of the post to score by neck.  “I could see him coming and there is no better feeling winning these kind of races,” O’Neill said.  “It’s incredible.”

The Kentucky Derby rematch was witnessed by a record crowd of 121,300.  Collecting the first two legs of the Triple Crown also ensured I’ll Have Another will take centre stage in the Belmont Stakes next month.

I’ll Have Another (3c Flower Alley – Arch’s Gal Edith by Arch) cost just $35,000 at the Ocala 2YO Sale in April 2011.  He will attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed swept all three races in 1978.

The California-based colt is also following in the illustrious hoof-prints of Sunday Silence.  He captured the G1 Santa Anita Derby en route to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness but failed to run out 2400 metres at Belmont.

I’ll Have Another won his maiden at Hollywood Park in July 2011 and he was also runner-up in the G2 Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar.  He is undefeated in four starts this term beginning with G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita.

The Kentucky bred colt is by G1 winning sire Flower Alley (Distorted Humor) who stands at Three Chimneys Farm for a $7,500 fee.

I’LL HAVE ANOTHER