The 157th operating of the Belmont Stakes, set for June 7, 2025, marks the dramatic conclusion to this yr’s Triple Crown season. For the second yr in a row, the historic race will happen at Saratoga Race Course, as Belmont Park undergoes redevelopment.
Contested at 1¼ miles—matching the Kentucky Derby distance somewhat than Belmont Park’s conventional 1½—it guarantees a compelling showdown between fresh-faced contenders and battle-tested veterans. A $2 million purse solely heightens the stakes.
Sovereignty Arrives Rested
Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty intentionally skipped the Preakness Stakes to organize for the Belmont, choosing a strategic five-week break. This transfer eradicated any probability of a Triple Crown bid however permits the outstanding colt to reach recent at Saratoga.
Sovereignty demonstrated his functionality on a sloppy Churchill Downs observe throughout his commanding Derby win on Could 3, 2025, swinging huge to overhaul the then-favorite Journalism.
His coach, Invoice Mott, related to Godolphin possession, sees advantages in spacing out races for a horse’s long-term profession. Sovereignty, a son of Into Mischief out of a Bernardini mare, possesses a pedigree suggesting each versatility and stamina appropriate for the 1 1/4-mile journey.
Oddsmakers, like FanDuel odds, have put in Sovereignty because the probably favourite at 8-5. A current exercise protecting 4 furlongs in below fifty seconds signifies he’s in sharp situation.
Journalism Seeks One other Title
Journalism, runner-up within the Kentucky Derby, surged from 5 lengths again to win the Preakness regardless of a tough journey. Favored in each races, he’s now into consideration for the Belmont as coach Michael McCarthy weighs a fast turnaround.
The Preakness Effort
Journalism’s Preakness win unfolded dramatically on a quick Pimlico floor, posting a remaining time of 1:55.47. He trailed by a number of lengths within the stretch earlier than unleashing a potent closing burst. This gritty efficiency underscored his willpower and shutting pace, overcoming adversity on the observe.
Fatigue Considerations
Contesting the Belmont simply three weeks after the Preakness and 5 weeks after the Derby presents a big bodily problem for Journalism. Efficiently navigating three Triple Crown races in such a brief span requires distinctive toughness. Whereas his Curlin lineage suggests a capability to deal with the 1 1/4-mile distance, the cumulative impact of current races will probably be a key consider his efficiency if he enters. Journalism holds the place of the second selection within the preliminary odds at 9-5.
Baeza Carries Household Expectations
Baeza, half-brother to Mage and Dornoch, completed a fast-closing third within the Derby after trailing in fifteenth. He additionally positioned second to Journalism within the Santa Anita Derby and, like Sovereignty, skipped the Preakness to relaxation for the Belmont.
Household Legacy
The familial connection to a Kentucky Derby winner and a Belmont Stakes winner offers an intriguing storyline. His half-brother Dornoch additionally rebounded from a much less favorable Derby consequence to triumph within the Belmont the earlier yr. This household historical past suggests a possible affinity for the Belmont problem and the 1 1/4-mile distance.
Relaxation vs. Race Expertise
By bypassing the Preakness, Baeza arrives at Saratoga having final raced on Could third, much like Sovereignty. This relaxation benefit contrasts with the potential fatigue dealing with Journalism. His third-place end within the Derby, earned from a large draw, signifies his skill to deal with a big area and compete on the highest degree. Baeza is listed at odds of 7-2. His pedigree, combining McKinzie (a son of 2007 Derby winner Avenue Sense) with a mare by stamina affect Large Brown, is taken into account well-suited for the space.
Rodriguez Returns from Layoff
Rodriguez, the winner of the Wooden Memorial (G2), is one other contender focusing on the Belmont after lacking earlier Triple Crown races. He was scratched from the Kentucky Derby as a consequence of a bruised foot and was not absolutely prepared for the Preakness.
Educated by Bob Baffert, Rodriguez showcased early pace with a wire-to-wire victory at Aqueduct within the Wooden Memorial. His type after the layoff is much less sure, however his presence provides a component of unpredictability to the sphere. Rodriguez is listed at 6-1 odds. His return to coaching suggests he’s recovering, however he might want to show his readiness in opposition to match competitors.
Hill Street Steps Up
Hill Street cemented his standing as a possible Belmont starter by capturing New York’s main prep race, the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes at Aqueduct on Could 10, 2025. He arrived on the Peter Pan in prime type. This victory got here after he was pressured to overlook the Wooden Memorial (G2), which could have in any other case put him on the Derby path, as a consequence of a fever.
His highly effective closing run within the Peter Pan suggests he’s peaking on the opportune second. Educated by Chad Brown, Hill Street provides a robust native angle to the race. His pedigree contains High quality Street and Lemon Drop Child, indicating potential stamina. Hill Street’s odds are at the moment 10-1. His current prep race success makes him a viable choice for unique wagers.
Extra Attainable Contenders
A number of different horses are thought of candidates for the Belmont area because the June 1st entry deadline approaches. Coronary heart of Honor, a British invader, completed fifth within the Preakness after encountering hassle at the beginning. He’s listed at 20-1 odds and his pedigree, by Honor A.P., hints at stamina.
Ultimate Gambit, who completed fourth within the Kentucky Derby, stays a risk however may goal the Matt Winn (G3) at Churchill Downs as an alternative. Coach Brad Cox is assessing choices for the constant colt. Whereas Sandman, third within the Preakness, has been talked about as probably skipping the Belmont for the Jim Dandy Stakes, he’s nonetheless listed as a potential starter.
Crudo, a winner of the Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness undercard, has additionally drawn consideration as a possible entry with a pedigree suggesting the space would possibly swimsuit him.
Gauging the Potential Outcomes
With the Belmont Stakes held at 1¼ miles at Saratoga, the race now mirrors the Derby greater than its conventional 1½-mile take a look at—shifting the benefit towards horses with a stability of tactical pace and stamina.
Sovereignty and Baeza arrive recent from Derby efforts, positioned to capitalize on that relaxation. Journalism, heroic within the Preakness, stays a fan favourite, although his demanding marketing campaign could take a look at his reserves.
Hill Street, off a pointy prep, and Rodriguez, getting back from damage, add intrigue to an already aggressive area. The stress between front-runners and deep closers units the stage for a Belmont that guarantees each technique and spectacle.
