no need to adjust your computer, smart phone, tablet, or any other electronic screen. You also haven’t gone crazy, what you’re seeing is real. In honor of the third and final race in the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, it’s my first ever back-to-back posts.
Considering I provided all of your race day 2WC coverage for the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, it seemed only right that I should wrap things up as well. Especially since this race could see the first Triple Crown champion in over 30 years.
It may seem like a long-shot, after all others (12 others, to be precise) have threatened to take the title over the years, but California Chrome seems to have that “something special”. After dominating at the Kentucky Derby, and once again pulling away from the pack at the Preakness, it seems very likely that this “little colt that could,” could go all the way.
But before I get too carried away by all the California Chrome hype, here’s some other things to know about today’s race:
- The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown races, at 1.5 miles
- The race is run in Elmont, New York, which is just outside of New York City.
- First run in 1867, the Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races.
- The winner of tomorrow’s race will be draped with a blanket of white carnations, the official flower of the Stakes.
- The official drink…well, unlike the Derby’s mint julep which has been their official libation for forever (1938), or even the Preakness’ Black-eyed Susan that was adopted in1973, the Belmont Stakes is not that tied to their official drink. It was the White Carnation until 1998, when it was replaced by the Belmont Breeze, which was then dethroned by the Belmont Jewel in 2011. The Jewel still has its official title, for now, but you might be better off just enjoying a mint julep. I promise I won’t tell.
- The Belmont Stakes easily takes the top spot for “catchiest official song,” out of the Triple Crown races. Kander and Ebb’s “New York, New York,” is played as the field heads to the starting gate.
And on that note, back to California Chrome. If you choose to know nothing else about today’s race, remember this, California Chrome is the favorite. If he wins, which he very well might, he will be only the 12th horse to do so in the history of the Triple Crown (since 1875).
That makes this a historic occasion (hopefully), and who doesn’t like to witness history?
True, it could all end in utter disappointment, but that risk is what makes it so exciting. Even if the race does go south, you can wow all of your fellow watchers with all the fun Belmont Stakes facts you just learned.
Here’s to a great race, and let’s go, California Chrome!
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More on the Story: Washington Post — Belmont Stakes: Let’s Talk About the Other 10 Horses
…just for fun:
