The Kentucky Derby changes dates, it will continue the tradition of running on the first Saturday, but now September, a measure that will shake up the programming of exclusive events for three years, of course this includes the Triple Crown.
So far the Maryland authorities have not ruled on it, but they will take no time since it is only two weeks that separate the two gems that were run in the month of May. The new septembrina appointment would force to move the Preakness Stakes for September 19, respecting the separation that for many decades has existed between these two matches.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) does not plan to change the date of the Belmont Stakes, obviously thinking not to hinder Saratoga’s plans, since the Travers Stakes would be seriously affected by the new Derby schedule.
But the change has some important edges to point out, such as that the five months of the Derby will overturn the essence of the maximum test for those born in 2017.
At that point in the calendar the three-year-olds will have contested all the exclusive tests for that generation, the Travers meant the deadlock for this type of event. At this time the Florida derbys, Santa Anita, the Wood Memorial and the Arkansas Derby will come out with collateral damage, the reason is that a victory in these tests will not do much good, except for the economic issue.
The physical form that each of the winners of those races will achieve is likely to be lost in limbo so many months apart. Recall that after the month of June only the Haskell Invitational is scheduled, in Monmouth Park; Jim Dandy and Traver Stakes in Saratoga.
The picture is not so dark, however, if we do not reach good agreements with the organizers of the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, the 2020 Triple Crown will not have the same value as always.