June 4 (UPI) -- A bounty of weekend horse racing features a three-day Belmont Stakes festival in New York that oozes class from start to finish, the Epsom Derby and Oaks, the French Derby and a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" event in Japan.
The Belmont Stakes won't produce a Triple Crown champion, but it easily could put the favorite, Essential Quality, back on a trajectory to all kinds of year-end glory and honors.
The U.K. and French classics also provide potential springboards to stardom -- and the chance for some massive upsets as the favorites are relatively untested.
One caution: The weather guessers raise the prospect of some rain and even thunderstorms Friday at Belmont Park before a nice, warm Belmont Stakes day. Hope for firm and fair, but handicap with an eye on the sky.
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