Three Kentucky Derby 'dogs to watch

It’s easy to get behind a favorite for the Kentucky Derby. After all, the horse is favored for a reason: It has a great chance to win on paper. Or does it?

Since morning line favorite Spectacular Bid won The Run of the Roses in 1979, only two other morning line favorites have won the race. With that in mind, here are some horses worth taking a look at for Saturday’s race other than Orb (7-2 ML), Verrazano (4-1) and Goldencents (5-1).

Not so long shot:
Normandy Invasion
(12-1, No. 4 post)
Known as a closer, he rallied late in the Wood Memorial last month against Verrazano and Vyjack (15-1) to finish second. He could become the first Derby winner for his trainer, upstate New York native Chad Brown.

Somewhat long shot:
Will Take Charge
(20-1, No. 17 post)
One of two D. Wayne Lukas horses in the field, Will Take Charge won the Rebel Stakes by closing strong. That runs counter to the fears of his ability to handle distance. Warning: If the track is muddy, steer clear.

Very long shot:
Black Onyx
(50-1, No. 1 post)
Like 2011 Derby champ Animal Kingdom, he won the Spiral Stakes. There’s little concern for his ability to run on dirt at Churchill Downs despite recent wins on turf and synthetic surfaces.