When my boyfriend mentioned Triple Crown a few days ago, I thought he was talking about that weird bar that used to be on Market Street near the freeway. As it turns out, he was referring to THE Triple Crown, the trifecta of thoroughbred horse races that includes the beloved Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and this Saturday's Belmont Stakes. The third and final leg of the Crown, the Belmont Stakes determines the races' overall champion.

Rumor had it that California's star horse I'll Have Another was going to take the first Triple Crown win since Affirmed in 1978, but breaking news announced this morning that our horse has been scratched from the race. No doubt that puts a little damper on the show, but here are three places to cheer on the other contenders. After all, it's still a perfectly good excuse for an afternoon julep.

Golden Gate Fields
For those traditionalists looking to watch the races on the fields, GGF is hosting the Belmont Stakes Wine Festival, where they'll stream a live simulcast of the race while you mingle at an outdoor party with wine (compliments of the East Bay Vintners Alliance), food, and jazz music. If that sounds too run-of-the-mill, GGF is getting fancy and is also hosting a VIP party, where $65 gets you two comp cigars, an open bar featuring drinks like the Belmont Breeze, Bloody Marys, and margaritas, reception-style dining, and a DJ spinning beats in between races.
When: 12–4 p.m., Sat. 6/9
Where: Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley

Reed & Greenough
Here's your excuse to bring your derby hat back out of the closet and pull on our white lace gloves. Reed & Greenough will host a swanky soiree where they'll raffle off prizes like a luxury whiskey basket, a hosted happy hour for four at R&G, and a bottle of Dom Perignon.
When: 1 p.m., Sat. 6/9
Where: Reed & Greenough, 3251 Scott St.

Italian Athletic Club
Get your Italian stallion to take you to at athletic club for an interesting cultural combo of Euro flair and southern hospitality.
When: estimated post time 12:40 p.m. PST
Where: Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton St., 2nd floor