trifecta

[ trahy-fek-tuh ]

/ ˈtraɪˌfɛk tə /

a type of bet, especially on horse races, in which the bettor must select the first three finishers in exact order.

a race in which such bets are made. Compare superfecta.

Also called triple.

Origin of trifecta

First recorded in 1970–75; tri- + (per)fecta

Petty, shade, and thirst are my favorite human “virtues” and the trifecta of any good series of “stories.”

‘Empire’ Review: Hip-Hop Musical Chairs with an Insane Soap Opera Twist |Judnick Mayard |January 8, 2015 |DAILY BEAST
Now, Lupita Nyong'o. Anna Wintour has hit the trifecta, delivering Vogue's readers with exactly what they want.

Lupita Nyong'o Covers Vogue; Museum of Modern Art Announces Bjork Exhibit |The Fashion Beast Team |June 19, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Tfank, Thurman, and Prada were the trifecta that changed everything in 1995—even if it was accidental.

Barbara Tfank: The Red Carpet Radical |Erin Cunningham |March 2, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
This is a series led by the trifecta of Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, and Kathy Bates, three actresses—imagine!

‘Boy Parts’ Proves ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ Is the Boldest Drama on TV |Kevin Fallon |October 17, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

So off he goes to a horse track to find that crime has hit the trifecta?

Do I Have to Read Dick Francis? |William Boot |February 20, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

trifecta

/ (traɪˈfɛktə) /

a form of betting in which the punter selects the first three place-winners in a horse race in the correct order

any achievement involving three successful outcomes

from tri- + ( per) fecta, a US system of betting