Kentucky Derby 2013: Biggest Winners and Losers from 139th Run for the Roses

For the most part, the 2013 Kentucky Derby went down in a predictable fashion when Orb crossed the finish line first. The pre-race favorite won his fifth consecutive race and emerged as a possible Triple Crown contender in the process.

There were some surprises that helped create an exciting evening at the 139th annual Run for the Roses, too. Ultimately, it was those shockers that defined who really won and lost in Louisville.

Take a look below of some of the most defined winners and losers from the big event.

Orb and Shug McGaughey III—Winners

Claude R. "Shug" McGaughey III finally captured the illusive Kentucky Derby crown after not entering a horse in over 10 years. The Hall of Fame trainer can retire, when he chooses, with having accomplished everything a trainer could hope to during his career.

Orb lived up to all of the pre-race hype and then some with his dramatic win in Louisville. Questions will now begin to be asked if he could be a contender for the illustrious Triple Crown this season.

Verrazano and Todd Pletcher—Losers

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher had as good of a shot as anyone to get a huge win at Churchill Downs but both of his top horses failed on the final stretch.

It wasn’t a total bust for Pletcher, though. Revolutionary placed after coming in behind Orb and Golden Soul, saving Pletcher from total failure. He’ll take home a portion of the purse as a consolation prize.

Verrazano, an early favorite who slid leading up to the race, was neck-and-neck at the front of the pack approaching and after the final turn. He ran out of gas and slowed tremendously in the final furlough to slip back to 14th place.

Golden Soul—Winner

The Dallas Stewart-trained colt jockeyed by Robby Albarado wasn’t supposed to challenge for the Kentucky Derby crown. That’s exactly what he did on Saturday at Churchill Downs, though.

Golden Soul was a long shot in every sense, registering final odds of 34-1 prior to the race. He almost didn’t even make it to Louisville at all. A group of late defections allowed him to qualify despite registering just 14 points.

Goldencents—Loser

Lightning didn’t strike twice for trainer Doug O’Neil at Churchill Downs after winning last year’s Derby with long shot I’ll Have Another.

The hype around Goldencents was too good to be true, and the colt dropped back to finish disappointingly in 17th place.

The disappointment for this finish is clear. Goldencents finished as a pre-race favorite with final odds of 7-1. Prior to the race, the three-year-old also ranked No. 4 on the AP’s final Run to the Roses Top 10 list of Derby contenders (via STLToday.com).