Those being the $750,000 Cotillion Stakes at Parx Park in Philadelphia, a race that will feature upper echelon three year old fillies (the aptly name) It’s Tricky and the good looking Plum Pretty, along with the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in New York, where Flatout will face Stay Thirsty. The Gold Cup has a long and storied history, the past winners are a parade of hall of fame horses and include Whirlaway, Citation, Nashua (twice), Kelso, an amazing five straight times in a feat that will never be equaled from where I sit. Explosive stretch runner Buckpasser, the gorgeous Damascus, the mighty Forego, the ill-fated Exceller in 1978 in perhaps one of the greatest races of all time. Exceller defeat not one, but two Triple Crown winners in the race. (Affirmed and the great Seattle Slew). Affirmed, who wound up winning the next year, John Henry, the powerful Easy Goer and of course the incomparable Cigar.