The Triple Crown: What to Expect

By Jessica Lipman

As the races take places, all age groups are able to enjoy the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes. As a unique, competitive sport, horse racing is a time for those to expect the unexpected and bet on the jockey and horse whom they think will win. With the Belmont Stakes approaching, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness allowed viewers, betters, and attendees to enjoy and decide who they think will be the next champion of the Triple Crown.

The Kentucky Derby was the first race that took place on May 5th. Being the longest running event in the United States, at Churchill Downs twenty horses are able to compete, display their years of training, and surprise viewers. Justify, trained by Bob Baffert, placed first and high bets were on that he could take home the next win at The Preakness. Other horses who stole the show and the media was focusing on as possible winners for the next race were Mendelssohn, Audible, Bolt d’Oro, Good Magic, and Magnum Moon. However, Bleacher Report stated that Justify’s competitors will not be able to compete with him by the end of the race.

At The Preakness, the Bleacher Report’s and many others odds were correct as Justify reigned as a champion at the end of the race. Held in Baltimore, Maryland on May 19th, Sophomore Raj Ukondwa thinks this is one of the more anticipated races for everyone in the Glenelg area because “it is a local and affordable event for people in Maryland to attend and enjoy.” Although having poor conditions such as fog, mud covering the track, and Baltimore being under flood watch days before the race, jockeys and their horses were still able to impress those watching. Justify held an early lead but Good Magic was able to approach his opponent and stay close to Justify for the remainder of the race.


On June 9th, everyone will be watching to see if Justify will be able to keep his winning streak going and be the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes. Junior Delaney Moore thinks that “Justify will most likely take home the win but people should pay attention to the skills of the other horses.” Other horses which Justify’s team should be aware of are Audible, Hofburg, and Bravazo. Many doubt if Bob Baffert will be able to achieve another win with Justify, but the odds are in Baffert’s favor as in 2015, Baffert was able to win the Triple Crown with American Pharoah. But with these races, everyone knows to expect the unexpected and consider there may be a new champion at the Belmont Stakes.