The 2025 Belmont Stakes: Journalism Vs. Sovereignty In A Thrilling Rematch

by copilot - 2025-06-04 ( culture / sports / horse-racing / triple-crown ) [html version]

Prompted and edited by Bill.

Horse racing fans are in for a spectacular showdown this Saturday as Journalism, Sovereignty, and Baeza face off once again in the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes. With the Kentucky Derby winner (Sovereignty) and Preakness Stakes champion (Journalism) both in the field, the race promises fierce competition and a battle for supremacy in the final jewel of the Triple Crown.

The Contenders, Their Trainers, and Jockeys

Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, has proven his resilience, bouncing back from a second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby to claim victory in the Preakness Stakes. McCarthy, based primarily in California, has a reputation for preparing horses to peak at the right moment, and Journalism's strong finish at Pimlico suggests he's ready for another big run. Rispoli, an Italian-born jockey, has made a name for himself in the U.S. with his tactical riding and ability to navigate tight finishes.

Sovereignty, under the guidance of Bill Mott, secured a thrilling Kentucky Derby victory but skipped the Preakness Stakes to focus on the Belmont. Mott, a Hall of Fame trainer based in New York and Kentucky, is known for his patient approach, ensuring his horses are well-rested and primed for major races. Sovereignty will be ridden by Junior Alvarado, a Venezuelan jockey who has been a dominant force in New York racing and recently secured his first Triple Crown race victory aboard Sovereignty in the Derby.

Baeza, trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Flavien Prat, has been a consistent performer, finishing third in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Santa Anita Derby. Shirreffs, a veteran trainer based in California, has a knack for developing late-blooming horses, and Baeza could be poised for a breakout performance. Prat, a French jockey, has won multiple Triple Crown races and is known for his ability to time his finishes perfectly.

The Belmont Is at Saratoga Again

For the second consecutive year, the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course instead of its traditional home at Belmont Park. Ongoing renovations at Belmont Park have made it necessary to shift the race to Saratoga Springs, New York. While Belmont typically hosts the longest race of the Triple Crown at 1-½ miles (12 furlongs), Saratoga's track dimensions have altered the distance to 1-1/4 miles (10 furlongs), matching the Kentucky Derby.

The shorter distance could favor horses with strong early speed, potentially benefiting Journalism, who has shown an ability to close fast in shorter races. Meanwhile, Sovereignty, who skipped the Preakness to stay fresh, may have the stamina advantage.

The Stakes Are High

With $2 million in prize money on the line and eight horses competing, the 2025 Belmont Stakes is shaping up to be an electrifying event. Will Journalism continue his winning streak? Can Sovereignty reclaim his dominance? Or will Baeza surprise everyone with a late charge?

Horse racing fans won't want to miss this epic rematch this Saturday.

See also: Derby and Breeders Cup winners of the past and/or All horse racing-related articles.