Early Triple Crown nomination deadline Saturday

The early deadline to nominate horses for the 2015 Triple Crown series is Saturday, and nominations cost $600 each. The late nomination period, when nominations cost $6,000 each, is open through March 23. The names of all early nominees will be announced Jan. 31.

In 2014, there were 414 early nominations and 10 late nominations. The total was the highest since 460 horses were nominated in 2008.

The 141st Kentucky Derby opens the Triple Crown series May 2, followed by the May 16 Preakness Stakes and June 6 Belmont Stakes.

Early Triple Crown nominations made by mail must be postmarked by Saturday or can be made online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern at www.TheTripleCrown.com.