SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In a thrilling rematch of the Kentucky Derby competitors, Sovereignty emerged victorious over Journalism at the 157th Belmont Stakes held at Saratoga Race Course. This high-stakes event once again highlighted premier talent in horse racing.
Unlike previous years, where the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winners often battled without clear triumph, this time one contender secured two of the three gleaming jewels of the Triple Crown, a feat not witnessed since 2018. “They’re three exceptionally talented horses,” praised Sovereignty’s trainer. “I’m thrilled Sovereignty returned with such vigor after the Derby performance.” This victory marks his second triumph at the Belmont, and its location at Saratoga made it particularly meaningful for him.
“Winning here feels like a victory on home turf,” shared the trainer. “We specifically aimed for this race following the Derby, and the payoff was worth all the efforts. The horse ran beautifully, and our jockey executed the strategy flawlessly.” The event marked the second time the Belmont Stakes transitioned to Saratoga amid renovations at its traditional Belmont Park locale on Long Island.
Rodriguez made an impressive start, leading the pack of eight in the 1 1/4-mile journey until Journalism charged forward near the stretch’s top. Close behind was Sovereignty, guided by jockey Junior Alvarado, who famously overtook Journalism swiftly, eventually dominating the race. With 5-2 odds, Sovereignty crossed the finish line at 2:00.69, overpowering Preakness winner Journalism by a solid three lengths.
“He broke excellently as usual,” Alvarado remarked. “His positioning was ideal, and while I was surprised by his proximity, his performance was incredibly smooth. From a jockey’s perspective, I couldn’t have been more satisfied with his placement.” Journalism concluded in its consistent second place, followed by Baeza in third—replicating the Derby results. Despite entering as the 2-1 front-runner, Journalism was outshone, with Baeza standing as the third favorite at 7-2.
Sovereignty’s triumphs continued as he returned $7 for the win, alongside placements at $3.20 and $2.30. Journalism facilitated returns of $3.20 and $2.30, while Baeza secured $2.60 payouts. Following a strong start with a Derby victory in early May, Sovereignty, owned by Godolphin, wisely skipped the Preakness to concentrate efforts on the Belmont, deciding against pursuing the elusive Triple Crown—an honor last claimed by Justify in 2018.
Trainer and Godolphin’s representative both stood by the decision to exclude Sovereignty from the Preakness, prioritizing the horse’s well-being and long-term prospects. “Our primary focus was on ensuring the optimal path for Sovereignty,” affirmed the representative. “Ultimately, choices were centered around the horse’s best interests.” This strategic move aimed to maintain Sovereignty’s endurance and future potential.
With further stakes races planned during summer and culminating in the prestigious Travers Stakes later in the year, Sovereignty’s connections anticipate future challenges. The Travers, concluding Saratoga’s meet, could present yet another rematch between the three-year-old titans, Journalism and Sovereignty. “I’d be thrilled to compete at the Travers in August,” the trainer shared. “It’s a critical event for a rising three-year-old like Sovereignty, and if all goes well, it would be our targeted race.”