In Saratoga Springs, NY, Journalism, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby and won the Preakness Stakes, has been named the 8-5 favorite for the Belmont Stakes as the post positions were announced on Monday for the final leg of the Triple Crown. Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, is listed as the second favorite with a 2-1 morning line odds, drawing the second post position. Journalism, post position 7 near the outside, is the only horse competing in all three Triple Crown races.
“He’s been an outstanding horse since last July,” said trainer Michael McCarthy. “He responds perfectly, eating, training, and behaving well. His energy has been consistent for the past six weeks.” Sovereignty returns to racing after a five-week rest, a strategy chosen by owner and trainer Bill Mott.
“We’ve been lucky with how everything has gone since he arrived here,” Mott said. “He’s moving well and ready.” The Belmont Stakes features a rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism, who previously fought it out in the Derby, both representing the competition between the first and second-place finishers in the previous race.
“He has improved like many others in this group,” Mott noted about Sovereignty. “This group of horses has steadily progressed throughout the year, which should make for an exciting race.” Baeza, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, opens at 4-1 odds, while Bob Baffert’s Rodriguez, sidelined due to a minor injury, is at 6-1 starting from post three.
The eight-horse field also includes Heart of Honor, a long shot at 30-1 after finishing fifth in the Preakness. Other contenders on the Triple Crown trail include Hill Road (10-1), Crudo (15-1), and Uncaged (30-1). Journalism, the favorite for the Derby and Preakness, currently stands as the nation’s top three-year-old horse poised to dominate the Belmont.
“Saratoga has been great for horses,” McCarthy added. “It seems to have given him a new life, and I expect a strong performance in Belmont on Saturday.”
Fan Take: This lineup sets the stage for a thrilling Belmont Stakes that could potentially crown a Triple Crown winner or continue to stir the rivalry among the top three-year-olds. For horse racing fans, this race is crucial as it highlights the sport’s depth of talent and promises to keep the excitement around the Triple Crown alive.
