One of the classic handicap races of the American turf, the SUBURBAN was first run in 1884 at Sheepshead Bay. The
Suburban was named after the City and Suburban Handicap in England. The Suburban is the final leg of the "Handicap Triple," which began in 1891, the first leg being the Metropolitan, and the second being the Brooklyn. Only four horses have won these races in one racing year. The year, horse and respective weight carried in each race are as follows: 1931 - Whisk Broom II (126, 139, 130); 1953 - Tom Fool (130, 128, 136); 1961 - Kelso (130, 133, 136); 1984 - Fit To Fight (124, 126, 129).
The SUBURBAN Handicap was run at Sheepshead Bay prior to 1913, inclusive; at Empire City in 1915; at Aqueduct from 1961 to 1974, and in 1976. Not run in 1911, 1912, and 1914. Run at one and one half miles in 1975; at a mile and three-sixteenths in 1976. Started on the clubhouse turn at a mile and a quarter beginning in 1978.