Belmont Stakes to Run June 20 as First Leg of Triple Crown

Churchill Downs officials picked Sept. 5 for the Derby. The Preakness will be held on Oct. 3. Belmont Stakes usually falls on a busy sports weekend. It is unlikely any of the sports will return before July. There are talented 3-year-olds ready to run. The usual five-week Triple Crown season generally assures a full field of 20 horses in Kentucky, followed by a smaller and weaker group in Baltimore for Preaks. To sweep this year’s series, a horse will have to win in June, come back nearly three months later, and wait another month for The Payspeaks, which is held in October.