'Twas the day before the Derby, and all around the track — okay, I'll stop there.

Friday kicks off the 140th Kentucky Derby, and trainers, owners, and race fans alike are flocking to Churchill Downs in anticipation of horse racing's marquee event. Long-time oddsmaker Mike Battaglia added to California Chrome's hype, making the horse a 5-2 morning-line favorite.

"That's a pretty short price for a 20-horse field," he told The New York Times.

You can take a look at the full lineup, in order of qualifying points, at the Courier-Journal.

I prefer picking my favorites based on best names, though, so good luck to Dance With Fate, Hoppertunity, and Uncle Sigh. Below, check out photos of the horses prepping for the race of their lives. --Sarah Eberspacher