Introduction to the Triple Crown

The Triple Crown has been a subject of discussion in the horse racing world, but not in the way many would prefer. The announcement that the connections of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty have opted to skip the Preakness Stakes has raised questions about the series.

Background on the Triple Crown

The Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont are separate events, each with its own rich history. The Derby, Preakness, and Belmont were inaugurated 150, 152, and 158 years ago, respectively. The term "Triple Crown" was first used to describe the three major races for 3-year-olds after Sir Barton completed the first sweep in 1919.

History of the Triple Crown

The three events were not originally meant to combine for a test of thoroughbred greatness or as the key racing-industry publicity machine that it has become. They are significant individually as well as collectively. The public’s assumption that the Preakness and/or Belmont are less interesting if a Triple Crown isn’t on the line is not shared by real racing fans, who appreciate the value of each event.

Debate on the Triple Crown Format

The debate about whether to make changes in the series’ current format has been ongoing for decades. Top trainers and voices in the sport have called for shortening the distances of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont, and widening the gaps between them. These calls have not let up, despite American Pharoah and Justify winning the Triple Crown in 2015 and 2018, respectively.

Impact of Changes on the Triple Crown

Making changes to the format would not necessarily lead to more successful Triple Crown bids. It would make it easier for other good horses to run too, potentially increasing the competition. The Preakness and Belmont would be stronger if more of the best healthy 3-year-olds were running, whether or not they include a Triple Crown prospect in a given year.

The Preakness and Belmont

The 150th Preakness, a week from Saturday, would be better if Sovereignty and Derby third-place finisher Baeza weren’t already declared out. However, it still has at least two Derby horses (second-place Journalism and 16th-place American Promise) and other horses with stakes credentials listed as probable or possible entrants. The field, post positions, and morning-line odds will be set Monday.

Future of the Triple Crown

If people want to talk about the state of the Triple Crown, the future is a rich topic for debate this year, but so is the Preakness in any year. The series’ future and the Preakness are worth discussing, with or without a Triple Crown bid on the line.

Conclusion

The Sovereignty’s Preakness opt-out has raised questions about the Triple Crown, but the reasons for the decision are not about the series per se. The Preakness and Belmont are significant events that deserve attention, regardless of the Triple Crown. Changes to the format may be beneficial, but they should be made with the individual races in mind, not just to create more Triple Crown bids.

FAQs

• What is the Triple Crown?
  The Triple Crown is a series of three major horse racing events for 3-year-olds: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.
• Why did Sovereignty’s connections opt to skip the Preakness?
  Sovereignty’s connections chose to skip the Preakness to wait for the Belmont Stakes and gear up for big races in the summer and fall, citing a desire to "look long-term."
• What changes have been proposed for the Triple Crown format?
  Proposed changes include shortening the distances of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont, and widening the gaps between them.
• Will changes to the format lead to more successful Triple Crown bids?
  Not necessarily, as changes would make it easier for other good horses to run too, potentially increasing the competition.
• What is the future of the Triple Crown?
  The future of the Triple Crown is a rich topic for debate, with discussions on potential changes to the format and the significance of the individual events.