California Chrome's owner just blew any goodwill.

[ScottJ]

As many racing enthusiasts know, the concept of the "Triple Crown" did not exist until 1930 when Gallant Fox's three race sequence earned the title based on DRF's Charles Hatton designating him a "Triple Crown" champion. Only at that time was the title back-dated to include Sir Barton in 1919.

The "Triple Crown" has evolved into a brilliant marketing vehicle bringing together the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes; understand that the title serves to drive the marketing despite being 36 years vacated.

These three stakes are just that : three independently owned and managed properties offered by three different racing associations. Any assertion that these three races should be an "all-in" sequence undermines the fact that they are indeed three independent stake races for three year olds. Rather than worrying about the timing between these races, leave it all in place as is.

The real challenge is not whether the "Triple Crown" itself should be changed, but rather will another marketing machine redefine the hallmark races for three year olds?

For example, why not the "Transcontinental Cup" for three year olds starting with the derby and moving to the Travers at Saratoga and the Breeder's Cup with a three-year old event at Santa Anita? What about defining a "National Cup" for three year olds that rotate three races every year?

The concept of the "Triple Crown" exists only for marketing purposes and we all know that strong marketing can change the landscape. Don't believe it? Roll the calendar back to 1985 and check what happened with Kentucky Derby winner Spend A Buck.