The Triple Crown series in American Thoroughbred racing is a league of its own. With the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, this trio of horse racing events defines a brief, intense period of excitement. For those who truly appreciate the sport of kings, the conclusion of the Triple Crown is not an ending but merely a transition.
There are many horse racing events that offer a wealth of thrilling competitions and lucrative betting opportunities throughout the year, both domestically and internationally.
The Allure of Horse Racing Beyond the Triple Crown
While the Triple Crown races are undeniably iconic, representing the pinnacle of achievement for three-year-old Thoroughbreds over a concentrated period are just a fraction of the global horse racing calendar.
The legendary horse racing series offers a unique history, prestige, and, often, substantial prize money. This continuous stream of high-caliber racing provides a steady flow of betting opportunities for enthusiasts, offering different challenges and rewarding various handicapping expertise.
Beyond the Triple Crown, horses of all ages and genders compete at various distances and on different surfaces, such as dirt, turf, and all-weather tracks. This diversity allows handicappers to either focus on specific types of races or explore a wide range of events. They can find value in lesser-known races that may not get as much media attention as the Triple Crown but still offer exciting stories and big payouts.
Key Races and Betting Opportunities Post-Belmont
Once the dust settles at Belmont Park, the racing calendar opens up to a smorgasbord of graded stakes races for those looking to bet on horse racing. These races often feature horses that competed in the Triple Crown, as well as older, more established champions and promising rising stars.
Summer Sizzlers: Travers Stakes and Saratoga
The summer circuit is a highlight, particularly at the legendary Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Often referred to as “the graveyard of favorites” due to its propensity for upsets, Saratoga offers world-class racing from late July through early September.
The undisputed jewel of the Saratoga meet is the Travers Stakes (Grade 1), often called the “Mid-Summer Derby.”
Run in late August, this $1.25 million race at 1 1/4 miles on dirt often sees the top three-year-olds from the Triple Crown reunite for a crucial showdown. A win in the Travers can solidify a horse’s position as the top three-year-old of the year.
Beyond the Travers, Saratoga hosts a plethora of other significant races, including:
- Whitney Stakes (Grade 1): A $1 million race for older horses at 1 1/8 miles on dirt, a major prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
- Alabama Stakes (Grade 1): A $600,000 race for three-year-old fillies at 1 1/4 miles on dirt, a significant test for aspiring champions.
- Personal Ensign Stakes (Grade 1): A $500,000 race for older fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
- Fourstardave Handicap (Grade 1): A $500,000 turf mile race for older horses.
The betting action at Saratoga is electric, with large fields and competitive races providing ample opportunities for exotic wagers like exactas, trifectas, superfectas, and multi-race Pick 3s, Pick 4s, and Pick 5s.
Fall Frenzy: Breeders’ Cup and Beyond
The focus shifts towards the Breeders’ Cup World Championships as summer falls. Held annually in late October or early November at varying tracks across North America, the Breeders’ Cup is a two-day event featuring 14 Grade 1 races with purses totaling over $31 million. It’s considered the unofficial “world championships of Thoroughbred racing” and attracts the best horses from around the globe.
The marquee event is the Breeders’ Cup Classic (Grade 1), a $6 million race at 1 1/4 miles on dirt for three-year-olds and up, often determining the Horse of the Year. Other key Breeders’ Cup races include:
- Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1): A $2 million race for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
- Breeders’ Cup Turf (Grade 1): A $4 million race at 1 1/2 miles on turf.
- Breeders’ Cup Mile (Grade 1): A $2 million race at 1 mile on turf.
- Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Grade 1): A $2 million race at 6 furlongs on dirt.
The Breeders’ Cup offers an unparalleled betting experience due to the concentration of top talent and large fields. It’s a prime opportunity for casual bettors and seasoned handicappers to find significant value.
Beyond the Breeders’ Cup, other notable fall races in North America include:
- Pennsylvania Derby (Grade 1): A $1 million race for three-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on dirt, held in September.
- Cotillion Stakes (Grade 1): A $1 million race for three-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on dirt, held on the same card as the Pennsylvania Derby.
- Jockey Club Gold Cup (Grade 1): A $1 million race for three-year-olds and up at 1 1/4 miles on dirt, a key prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Final Words
The conclusion of the Triple Crown marks a turning point, not an end, for the horse racing enthusiast. From the “Mid-Summer Derby” at Saratoga to the global spectacle of the Breeders’ Cup and the prestigious international events in Europe, Asia, and Australia, the calendar is packed with opportunities for thrilling competition and engaging betting.
The diverse nature of these races, featuring various distances, surfaces, and age groups, ensures that there’s always something new to explore and analyze.
