The 157th operating of the Belmont Stakes, set for June 7, 2025, marks the dramatic conclusion to this 12 months’s Triple Crown season. For the second 12 months 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 likelihood of a Triple Crown bid however permits the distinguished colt to reach contemporary at Saratoga.
Sovereignty demonstrated his functionality on a sloppy Churchill Downs monitor throughout his commanding Derby win on Might 3, 2025, swinging broad 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 possible favourite at 8-5. A latest exercise masking 4 furlongs in beneath 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 monitor.
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 latest races can be a key think about 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 gives an intriguing storyline. His half-brother Dornoch additionally rebounded from a much less favorable Derby end result to triumph within the Belmont the earlier 12 months. 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 Might third, just like Sovereignty. This relaxation benefit contrasts with the potential fatigue going through Journalism. His third-place end within the Derby, earned from a large draw, signifies his skill to deal with a big subject 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 gap.
Rodriguez Returns from Layoff
Rodriguez, the winner of the Wooden Memorial (G2), is one other contender concentrating 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 totally 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 kind after the layoff is much less sure, however his presence provides a component of unpredictability to the sector. 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 Might 10, 2025. He arrived on the Peter Pan in prime kind. 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 gives a powerful native angle to the race. His pedigree contains High quality Street and Lemon Drop Child, indicating potential stamina. Hill Street’s odds are at present 10-1. His latest prep race success makes him a viable choice for unique wagers.
Further Potential Contenders
A number of different horses are thought-about candidates for the Belmont subject because the June 1st entry deadline approaches. Coronary heart of Honor, a British invader, completed fifth within the Preakness after encountering bother at first. He’s listed at 20-1 odds and his pedigree, by Honor A.P., hints at stamina.
Closing 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 attainable 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 gap may 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 check—shifting the benefit towards horses with a stability of tactical pace and stamina.
Sovereignty and Baeza arrive contemporary from Derby efforts, positioned to capitalize on that relaxation. Journalism, heroic within the Preakness, stays a fan favourite, although his demanding marketing campaign might check his reserves.
Hill Street, off a pointy prep, and Rodriguez, getting back from damage, add intrigue to an already aggressive subject. The strain between front-runners and deep closers units the stage for a Belmont that guarantees each technique and spectacle.
