I for one believe they would have. The Public was thirsting for a Triple Crown but it was an obvious call. And then everyone would have screamed it was the insurance company and they didnt want to pay the $5M bonus. TONS of people took note of the Derby DQ. People who aren't die hard fans. But casual.

Bit the Belmont faded out because of the need for speed. It's been boosted lately by more quality fields with runners bypassing the Preakness and the Showcase race on a HUGE DAY. New York fixed its problem. Baltimore will not. Move on. Run the 3rd leg at SA or Del Mar July 4th weekend. Call it The Thoroughbred Championship Challenge and say you are doing it for the safety of the animals.