The Triple Crown Series is surely one of the most prestigious and anticipated horse racing tournaments every year. It is a race among three-year-old thoroughbreds and comprises the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
Even though the name “Triple Crown” has been in use since the 1920s, it wasn’t until the year 1930 that the writer from Daily Racing Form, Charles Hatton, popularized the term and made it well known. Moreover, claiming the most cherished and elusive title as the Triple Crown winner means sweeping all three races, and such victory is regarded as horse racing’s highest honor.
With this, betting enthusiasts, jockeys, and trainers are increasingly eager to get a piece of the action. And as the Triple Crown series comes to an end this June, there’s no better way to share some details of what comprises the Triple Crown series. We’ll even include a wagering guide to make your horse racing experience more thrilling and fun.
The Triple Crown Jewels
The Triple Crown is considered one of the most prestigious horse races globally. It is, however, regarded as one of the most challenging series to win, as it consists of three races held on three separate racetracks and run over three different distances.
Although the three races are held on different race tracks, what these races have in common is that all of them take place on dirt surfaces. It is also exclusively open to three-year-old thoroughbreds.
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is known as the “Run for the Roses,” deriving from the race’s long-time tradition of draping a blanket of roses over the winner. The New York socialite E. Berry Wall, who in 1883 offered roses to the women attending an afterparty for the Kentucky Derby, served as an inspiration for this gesture.
The first jewel of the series is held annually every first Saturday of May at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, and it runs over a distance of one and one-quarter miles long. To qualify for the race, horses must earn points in a series of races collectively known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Preakness Stakes
Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, the race will continue with the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the renowned series. This race is run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, which is 1/16 miles shorter than the Kentucky Derby.
This middle leg race is termed the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” as a wreath made of the state flower of Maryland is draped over the victorious horse in the race, one of the Preakness’ traditions.
Belmont Stakes
The roadshow of the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown series begins just three weeks after the middle leg, held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Although this may be the last race, it is also the longest among the three jewels, thus earning its nickname “The Test of the Champions.”
With a distance of one and a half miles long or 12 furlongs, it measures the speed, grit, and stamina of the 3-year-old horses striving for a spot in Thoroughbred racing history. Secretariat established the record way back in 1973 for the fastest horse to bag the victory in the Belmont Stakes, completing the race in just 2 minutes and 24 seconds.
Betting On The Triple Crown
From a wagering standpoint and as one of the most extensive horse racing series worldwide, the Triple Crown attracts a vast audience. Thus, you need to know some of the basics of betting, as placing your wagers on the Triple Crown is conducted in the same manner as any other kind of horse racing betting.
Now, here are ways in which you can place your bets on the Triple Crown series:
Online Betting
Online wagering is more convenient and straightforward. Due to established online horse racing platforms, you may wager from the comfort of your own home, whether you’re on your phone or seated at your computer. However, given the abundance of betting options, punters must exercise discretion and caution when deciding where to put their wagers.
Betting At A Teller
Even while betting online is perhaps the most convenient and preferred approach for some, there’s still a certain allure to being at a track due to the excitement it gives to bettors. So, if you’re the type of gambler who enjoys being able to physically witness the action, placing your bets at the racecourse might be the best option for you.
Types Of Triple Crown Bets
There are two sorts of gambling that are commonplace in horse racing betting: traditional wagers and exotic wagers. When participating in traditional wagering, you can put your money on a win, a place, or a show.
A win is a wager put on the horse that the bettor believes will finish first, whereas a show pays out if the horse finishes first or second. A place has the lowest payoff of the three, and you can win if your horse finishes in third place or above.
Exotic wagers entail wagering on a horse’s exact finishing position. Exacta wagers are placed on the first two horses finishing in the exact order. Trifecta wagers consist of the first three finishers. The superfecta consists of four horses, whilst the super high five consists of five, all of which are dependent on the horses you chose in the exact order.
Takeaway
The Triple Crown series gives off a whole different vibe compared to other horse racing events. Being able to participate in that excitement and thrill of the series through betting offers you an added adrenaline boost. So as the Triple Crown series of 2022 concludes in June, be sure not to miss out on the fun and its wagering games!
