Kentucky Derby 2012: Longshot Horses That Have a Real Chance to Win

The Kentucky Derby is a week away, and a number of hopeful horses are training to cross the finish line first and get their owners a big piece of the $2 million purse.

Gamblers who're also looking to win big have to be hoping that a longshot wins at Churchill Downs in the 138th annual Run for the Roses.

In the past few years, those darkhorses have been coming up huge for bettors. Winners like Animal Kingdom went off at 8/1 in 2011, Super Saver at 21/1 in 2010, and Mine That Bird at a whopping 50/1 in 2009.

If that trend continues—those of us who play the big odds really hope it does—here are some good ponies to play in the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

Odds as of 4/28 from Derby’s official website.

Daddy Nose Best—20/1

Any time you can play a horse coming off of two consecutive wins heading into this event at 20/1, you have to do it.

This competitor won the Grade III El Camino Real Derby and Grade III Sunland Derby before resting up for the Triple Crown run.

Prospective—50/1

It doesn’t seem like this horse is getting any respect from the public or oddsmakers. Prospective is a colt that has won quite a few races, including the Tampa Bay Derby in March.

The horse's worst finish was a 13^th-place run in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile, but he rebounded well with a first-place win at Pasco.

It’s absolutely realistic that this underdog could finish ahead of the pack next weekend.

Optimizer—85/1

This is the longest shot in the field. At 85/1, you are pretty much hoping for a miracle. But remember, Mine That Bird showed us anything is possible as recently as three years ago.

Optimizer has just one win in nine starts, but those who lay a few dollars on the pony are hoping it will become two wins in 10 starts.