Before the running of any Kentucky Derby, most of the horses in the large field are pretty much a mystery to most sports fans. Racing enthusiasts may know a bit about the competitors but for the majority of folks, they're just majestic looking animals with catchy names.

Then, after two thunderous minutes, one of them becomes a superstar.

Before Saturday, Eight Belles -- who finsihed second to winner Big Brown -- was also mostly an unknown other than the fact that she was the lone filly in a Derby field of 20. Now, for sad reasons, her name will go down in thoroughbred history perhaps as prominently as that of the winner of the 134th Kentucky Derby. Predictably, there is a smattering of video tributes to Eight Belles on YouTube but this was better than most because it shows the filly in races prior to the Kentucky Derby. So, if your recollection of Eight Belles is primarily of her going to ground in a fatal accident after crossing the Derby finish line, here are a few more inspiring moments