The same happened in Baltimore three weeks ago, with the top two Preakness finishers – winner Early Voting and runner-up Epicenter, owned by Las Vegas businessman Ron Winchell – passing the Belmont Stakes in order to prepare for summer-fall campaigns. In most years, the Kentucky Derby winner and top finishers can be counted as sure entries in the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, but this year the connections of upset winner Rich Strike and third-place finisher Zandon quickly ruled out running in the middle jewel of the crown. That trend will culminate in Saturday’s $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, which features a mix of new and familiar faces, a fresh filly running against the boys and a couple little guys trying to prove that lightning can strike twice. This year’s Triple Crown has more closely resembled a revolving door than a series of horse races aimed at determining the best 3-year-old over a classic distance. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is the third betting choice on the morning line for the Belmont Stakes, with Triple Crown newcomer We the People installed as the favorite.

We the People, ridden by trainer Rodolphe Brisset, trains before the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Elmont, N.Y.

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