Within a few years, the pack-horse trail had been widened into a proper road, stretching 368 miles from Valdez to Fairbanks, and the Richardson Highway was born.

BBC: Journey into the Alaskan wild

In the Kentucky Derby, Oxbow chased the pace and was the only horse near the front of the pack in the opening half mile to finish in the top six.

WSJ: Oxbow Upsets Orb in Preakness Stakes

Their interest in some of the lesser-known candidates was piqued, but there was no dramatic twist that sent a dark horse sprinting out of the pack.

NPR: Undecided Voters Weigh In on GOP, Democratic Debates

Without this, a pack of snow would form underneath and the horse would slip.

CNN: Cool racing: Horses battle on snow

Now, no year would be complete without some dark horse candidates and sometimes, one of the dark horses breaks out of the pack during awards season and comes from behind to take a nomination spot.

FORBES: Top 10 Best Picture Oscar Contenders