In Saratoga Springs, New York, the spotlight is on Journalism, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby and winner of the Preakness Stakes, as he emerges as the 8-5 favorite in the Belmont Stakes. This prestigious race marks the final leg of the Triple Crown series. During Monday’s drawing for post positions, Journalism secured the No. 7 post, positioned near the outside. Notably, he is the sole contender participating in all three events of the Triple Crown.
Sovereignty, the victor of the Kentucky Derby, follows closely as the second favorite, opening with odds of 2-1 and drawing the No. 2 post. Trainer Michael McCarthy expressed confidence in Journalism, highlighting the horse’s consistent performance since the previous summer. McCarthy stated, “He embodies everything you want in a great horse—he eats well, trains well, and behaves impeccably. Over the past several weeks, his energy remains unwavering.”
With the decision to skip the Preakness in favor of resting for five weeks before the Belmont, Sovereignty’s team, led by trainer Bill Mott, felt a renewed sense of vigor after arriving at the historic Saratoga Race Course. Mott remarked, “Fortune has been on our side since we came here, and Sovereignty has been adapting well to the track.”
The Belmont Stakes, held at Saratoga for the second time while its traditional venue on Long Island undergoes renovations, is setting the stage for a rematch between the recent Derby counterparts. Mott commented on the overall field, “This group of horses has shown incredible growth over the year, and Sovereignty has improved along with them, which promises to make the race thrilling.”
Among the field of eight horses, No. 6 Baeza, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, starts with 4-1 odds. Rodriguez, under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, enters the competition at 6-1 odds from the No. 3 post. After a foot bruise forced him to withdraw from the Derby and Preakness, Rodriguez is now ready to compete.
Other contenders include No. 8 Heart of Honor, opening at 30-1 odds after placing fifth in the Preakness, and previously untested Triple Crown hopefuls, No. 1 Hill Road (10-1), No. 5 Crudo (15-1), and No. 4 Uncaged (30-1).
As the current top 3-year-old in the nation, Journalism remains a formidable competitor. McCarthy observed, “Saratoga has a positive effect on horses. Journalism appears revitalized here, and we anticipate an exciting renewal of the Belmont this Saturday.”