Kentucky Derby 2013 Horses: Long Shots That Will Surprise on Race Day

As is the case every year, going into the Kentucky Derby, while there are as many as four or five horses considered to be favorites, history has showed us that once in a while, unheralded horses can do larger than life things on race day.

Heavy underdogs such as Mine That Bird in 2009 and Giacomo in 2005, both pegged at 50-1 going into their respective races defied the odds at Churchill Downs and captured unexpected Kentucky Derby crowns.

This year, there are a clear-cut group of favorites consisting of Verrazano, Orb, Goldencents and Revolutionary, but beyond them, there are a number of intriguing long shots worth looking at.

Here's a look at some of the lesser-known contenders who will open some eyes on Saturday.

Will Take Charge

At 20-1, Will Take Charge has flown under the radar, despite racing well for the vast majority of the season.

The colt started things off nicely in 2013, posting wins at the Smarty Jones the Grade 2 Rebel, and has been improving.

Jockey John Court has shown an ability to get his horse to start quickly in many of his most recent races, and in a race that's likely to be tight, that could be important.

Frac Daddy

For the most part, Frac Daddy's record hasn't been anything out of the ordinary, except at Churchill Downs, which is of course the same track he'll be racing on tomorrow.

After winning at Churchill Downs in November, Frac Daddy raced to a second-place finish at the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club earlier this year, so if past success is any indication, he's a better bet than his 50-1 odds would suggest.

With another second-place finish at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, Frac Daddy's shown he can have big days, even on a big stage.

Charming Kitten

Pegged at 20-1 going into Saturday, Charming Kitten is an interesting contender given how consistent he's been throughout his career.

In fact, Charming Kitten has finished in the top three in all but one of his career starts, which is indicative of the competitiveness and will he displays during each and every race.

While the surface at Churchill Downs isn't necessarily Charming Kitten's favorite, if it's a tight race that goes down to the wire, an experience winner like him could come away with the title.