All You Should Now Ahead of the 2023 Triple Crown
On Saturday, May 6, the best three-year-old horses in the world will step onto the dirt track at Churchill Downs for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. In the following week, the winner of the Kentucky Derby will attempt to win the second jewel of the Crown, the Preakness Stakes. If the horse that wins the Derby wins the Preakness, we’ll be in line for a Triple Crown try. Check out everything you must know about the Horse Racing Triple Crown.
Horse Racing Tips for the 2023 Triple Crown
READ MORE: 2023 Kentucky Derby Future Odds: Forte Emerges as the Top Contender
What is horse racing’s Triple Crown?
Thoroughbred Racing’s Triple Crown comprises of three races at three different U.S. tracks at three difference distances over the span of five weeks. All three races take place on dirt and all three races are restricted to three-year-olds.
The Kentucky Derby runs at 1 ¼ miles at Churchill Downs. Two weeks later, 3-year-olds run in the Preakness at Pimlico at 1 3/16 miles.
The Belmont Stakes, also called the Test of Champions, is at 1 ½ miles. The race takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.
Unless something happens to disrupt the schedule, like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kentucky Derby is always on the first Saturday in May. The Preakness always takes place two Saturdays later, and the Belmont always happens three Saturdays after the Preakness.
Why is the Kentucky Derby so important in regard to the Triple Crown?
Only the horse that wins the Kentucky Derby can win the Preakness Stakes. No other horse can win the TC if it doesn’t win the Derby.
If the equine that takes the roses also wins the Preakness, that horse has the chance to win the Triple Crown. Only thirteen equines have won the Crown:
- Sir Barton – 1919
- Gallant Fox – 1930
- Omaha – 1935
- War Admiral – 1937
- Whirlaway – 1941
- Count Fleet – 1943
- Assault – 1946
- Citation – 1948
- Secretariat – 1973
- Seattle Slew – 1977
- Affirmed – 1978
- American Pharoah – 2015
- Justify – 2018
Which Triple Crown race is the most difficult for a horse shooting for the Triple Crown to win?
Most believe it’s the Belmont. But, it’s the Kentucky Derby. If a horse doesn’t win the Kentucky Derby, a Triple Crown isn’t possible for the year, no matter if the horse wins the Preakness and the Belmont.
Afleet Alex and Risen Star both won the Preakness and Belmont but failed to win the Derby. So, although both dominated the other two legs, both failed to take home the Crown.
With that being written, the Belmont has buried plenty of Triple Crown tries. Most of the time, it’s because the horse that wins the Derby and the Preakness doesn’t have the stamina to get the 1 ½ mile Belmont Stakes distance.
Twenty-three horses have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and not the Belmont. The last three horses to lose the Triple Crown’s final leg are Big Brown in 2008, I’ll Have Another in 2012, and California Chrome in 2014.
Kentucky Derby runners to target to win the Triple Crown
If you’re looking to put some money on a horse to win the TC this year, handicap these runners to win the Kentucky Derby. Remember, only the horse that wins the Derby can win the Triple Crown.
- Forte
- Tapit Trice
- Angel of Empire
- Two Phil’s
- Derma Sotogake
The rest of the Kentucky Derby projected field either doesn’t have the stamina to win the Belmont Stakes or the speed to win the Derby and Preakness.
No matter if you decide to bet on a horse to win the Triple Crown or not, know that the TC is a rare event. It takes a special horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
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