Kentucky Derby Picks: Breaking Down Best Odds for Longshots

The 138th Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs this Saturday is sure to feature some heart-pounding excitement and a fair share of surprises. 

With favorites Bodemeister (4-1) and Union Rags (9-2) dominating the pre-race spotlight at the Kentucky Derby, we turn to a few long-shots with decent odds of pulling off an unthinkable upset. 

Take a look.

Daddy Long Legs (30-1)

Daddy Long Legs is coming off a win at the Grade II UAE Derby in Meydan last March. But before that it was a disappointing 12th place finish for the colt against stiffer competition in the Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

The lack of races this season for Daddy Long Legs has him flying under the radar heading into the first leg of the Triple Crown, but that can all change on Saturday. Trainer Aidan O'Brien is one of the best in the business and is extremely successful at bringing racehorses from Europe to the United States and competing at venues like Churchill Downs. 

The horse in the first post position has won 12 times in the last 111 years at Churchill Downs, and that's where Daddy Long Legs will start on Saturday. No other starting post has fared better since 1900.

Post Position: 1

Optimizer (50-1)

Optimizer finished ninth at the Arkansas Derby in Oaklawn Park last April, well behind winner Bodemeister, but still that experience won't hurt the long-shot racehorse, who will be ridden by jockey Jon Court.

Optimizer's trainer is Hall of Famer and four-time Kentucky Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas. Lukas and Court will no doubt maximize on the thoroughbred's talent on Saturday afternoon, especially after having gained some invaluable knowledge last November at the Breeders' Cup.

Optimizer placed eighth at the Juvenile race at Churchill Downs last fall, and will go toe to toe with some familiar opponents this time around at the legendary dirt track. 

Post Position: 2

Prospective (30-1)

Prospective is coming off a sixth place finish at the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass last month and a 13th place finish at the 2011 Breeders' Cup Juvenile last November at Churchill Downs. Though he will face the same stiff competition on Saturday that overwhelmed him at the Cup last season, Prospective has a great deal of experience on his side.

He won the Grade II Tampa Bay Derby last March, and should have no problem mustering the stamina to contend with the field at the 1 1/4 race track. Luis Contreras is an accomplished jockey and will have Prospective in the best position to take home the money.

Post Position: 12

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