13 is usually thought of as an unlucky number. Justify and his connections are hoping that it will make history for them as he tries to become the 13th Triple Crown winner in horse racing history. Champion jockey Mike Smith is well known and liked, he will be vying for his first Triple Crown. Trainer Bob Baffert is a master of the game, he is looking for his 2nd Triple Crown winner.
Winning the triple crown is notoriously difficult, as most horse racing fans know. Over the years we have seen many near misses. But as of today, only 12 horses have accomplished the demanding task. A 3 year old horse has to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, to take the Triple Crown.
Jusify shown winning Preakness Stakes
All of these races are run at different tracks and different distances to ensure it's proof of a champion horse. Rest assured all of the previous winners were champions in every sense of the word. Horses like War Admiral, Citation and Secretariat are legends and rightfully so.
In fact it is so difficult to pull off that there was a 37 year break between the last 2 winners of the Triple Crown. From Affirmed to American Pharoah (who is coincidentally trained by Bob Baffert).
The buzz is building on social media about the race, which is great for the sport. Win or lose let's hope for a good clean race and maybe Justify can turn 13 into a lucky number on Saturday at Belmont Park. By K. Zangara
Sectretariat (known as Big Red) after winning 1973 KY Derby - Copyright Associated Press
Previous Triple Crown Winners
1919 - Sir Barton
1930 - Gallant Fox
1935 - Omaha
1937 - War Admiral
1941 - Whirlaway
1943 - Count Fleet
1946 - Assault
1948 - Citation
1973 - Secretariat
1977 - Seattle Slew
1978 - Affirmed
2015 - American Pharoah
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