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| Staff Writer |
The Belmont Stakes, America's third classic race and final jewel of the Triple Crown, has crowned legends since 1867. Last year's renewal saw Dornoch triumph in a thrilling finish, continuing the race's tradition of producing memorable moments. The 157th running returns to Saratoga Racecourse for the second consecutive year, whilst Belmont Park undergoes extensive renovation, shortened to one and a quarter miles from the traditional test of one and a half miles.
This year's renewal presents a fascinating tactical puzzle. The modified distance potentially favours horses with tactical speed rather than pure stamina specialists. The change from the gruelling mile and a half "Test of the Champion" to the more manageable distance aligns with the Kentucky Derby trip, potentially benefiting horses who excelled at Churchill Downs.
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Sovereignty becomes the leading contender following his commanding Kentucky Derby victory under Junior Alvarado. The Bill Mott-trained colt demonstrated his class when overcoming challenging conditions at Churchill Downs, sweeping wide in the stretch to overtake Journalism and secure a convincing triumph.
The Godolphin-owned son of Into Mischief benefited from a strategic decision to bypass the Preakness Stakes, allowing five weeks of rest before this US$2 million contest. Mott noted the advantages of spacing races for longevity, mirroring successful campaigns of the past where patience has often proved more rewarding than the grinding Triple Crown schedule.
Sovereignty's affinity for challenging conditions, demonstrated so convincingly on the Derby slope, provides additional confidence should the weather become a factor. The colt's tactical versatility gives Mott and Alvarado multiple options depending on how the race unfolds, with his ability to rate off the pace before producing a decisive move proving particularly valuable.
"His recent workout at Saratoga (4 furlongs in 49.76 seconds) indicates he's in top form, making him a formidable contender," connections reported. Sovereignty's pedigree suggests versatility, with his dam Crowned by Bernardini providing the stamina credentials essential for classic success, whilst his sire's influence offers the tactical speed necessary for major race triumph.
Journalism delivered a breathtaking performance in the Preakness Stakes, rallying from a seemingly impossible position to claim victory. The Michael McCarthy-trained colt faced significant trouble during the race, being bumped by Goal Oriented and squeezed against Clever Again at the top of the stretch.
Umberto Rispoli guided the son of Curlin through a narrow gap, producing a stunning rally from five lengths back to overtake Gosger in deep stretch, clocking 1:55.47 over Pimlico's fast surface. This gutsy effort achieved just two weeks after the Derby, highlighted Journalism's resilience and closing speed, demonstrating his ability to overcome adversity under pressure.
The performance marked Journalism's first Group One victory and showcased the tactical patience that has become Rispoli's trademark. The Italian jockey's timing proved perfect as he waited for the right moment before unleashing his mount's devastating turn of foot.
However, questions remain about the physical demands of competing three times in five weeks. Journalism's Curlin pedigree suggests stamina reserves, yet the accumulated fatigue from the Triple Crown trail has derailed many promising campaigns throughout racing history.
Co-owner Aron Wellman was optimistic about a Belmont appearance, stating, "We would love to go. This ownership group has clarified that we take this very seriously and want to be good ambassadors for the industry and sport. If this horse is in good shape, we'll consider Belmont. But we have two-plus weeks to determine that, and we'll take all the time we need."
Baeza carries perhaps the most intriguing family credentials in the field as half-brother to Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Belmont Stakes victor Dornoch. The John Shirreffs-trained colt earned his Derby starting position through late scratches, beginning from the outside post 21.
Despite the exhaustive trip, his rally from 15th position to finish third, just a neck behind Journalism, showcased impressive closing ability. The performance demonstrated remarkable composure for a horse making only his fourth career start, suggesting significant untapped potential remains.
Previously, Baeza finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby, confirming his ability to compete with the division's elite whilst establishing a proper form line with the Preakness winner. The consistency of his performances against top-class opposition marks him as a colt of genuine substance.
The son of McKinzie benefits from a pedigree tailor-made for the classic distance, with his dam, Puca, by stamina-laden Big Brown providing additional credentials. McKinzie himself was sired by Street Sense, the Kentucky Derby winner, creating a direct bloodline connection to classic success.
Flavien Prat takes the mount on a colt whose bloodline suggests he's bred specifically for this type of challenge. The partnership between Prat and Shirreffs has produced major race success before, most notably with Authentic in the Kentucky Derby.
His connections opted to skip the Preakness, ensuring Baeza arrives well-rested with five weeks since his Derby effort. The strategic decision mirrors that of Sovereignty's team, providing both colts with fresh advantages over their Preakness-running rivals whilst allowing time for physical and mental recovery from their Churchill Downs exertions.
Heart Of Honour brings an international flavour as an English-bred son of Honour A.P., trained by Jaime Osborne. The colt finished fifth in the Preakness following a strong UAE Derby performance, though he struggled after a slow start in his American debut.
The unique aspect of this horse lies in the husband-and-wife training and riding combination, with Saffie Osborne retaining the mount. This partnership is rare in American racing's most significant events, adding human interest to the sporting narrative.
Saffie Osborne retains the mount on a horse whose pedigree offers stamina for the distance. His connections are shipping to Saratoga with hopes that his breeding will prove advantageous over the extended trip, particularly given his European bloodlines, which traditionally favour staying distances.
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Hill Road represents the classic Belmont pattern of a horse peaking at the perfect moment. The Chad Brown-trained son of Quality Road solidified his credentials with a decisive closing run to capture the Gr.3 Peter Pan Stakes at Aqueduct following his earlier Wood Memorial absence due to fever.
His late charge in that key prep suggests Hill Road is timing his form perfectly for this engagement. Brown's expertise and the colt's recent improvement combine to make him a serious contender.
Rodriguez adds intrigue as a potential wildcard in Bob Baffert's care. The Authentic colt captured the Gr.2 Wood Memorial with a wire-to-wire performance but missed the Derby and Preakness due to a foot problem.
Baffert's history of success in significant races adds interest, though Rodriguez must prove his complete recovery from the injury setback. Mike Smith takes the reins on a horse whose early speed could dictate the race's complexion if fully fit.
Final Gambit, trained by Brad Cox, finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby after winning the Jeff Ruby Stakes, then bypassed the Preakness. The son of Not This Time shows consistent form and tactical speed, making him a potential spoiler despite questions about his stamina over distance.
Sandman struggled in the Derby slop but rebounded with a creditable third-place finish in the Preakness. The Mark Casse-trained son of Tapit has been reported as a possible Belmont starter despite suggestions he might target the Jim Dandy Stakes instead.
Grande emerges as another Todd Pletcher contender, finishing second in the Gr.2 Wood Memorial Stakes. The son of Curlin brings solid credentials under Dylan Davis and represents the depth of this year's 3YO division. His dam Journey Home provides additional stamina influence, making him a legitimate threat over the extended distance.
Crudo, also trained by Pletcher, caught attention with a recent allowance victory at Aqueduct before capturing the Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness undercard with a front-running performance. The son of Justify suggests potential for the Belmont distance, with his sire's Triple Crown credentials providing confidence in his stamina reserves.
Gosger, trained by Brendan Walsh, initially generated significant interest following his strong Preakness performance. The son of Nyquist nearly stole that race, leading by five lengths in the stretch after duelling with Clever Again early before succumbing to Journalism's late charge. However, connections have confirmed he will skip the Belmont, removing a key pace influence from consideration.
The shortened distance at Saratoga should produce genuine pace without the extreme stamina demands of the traditional Belmont test. The unique characteristics of the Saratoga main track, with its sweeping turns and distinctive configuration, often reward horses with tactical positioning ability rather than pure speed or stamina.
The track's undulating nature and cambered turns create different challenges than traditional oval racing, potentially suiting horses with racing experience over varied surfaces. This could particularly benefit the international contingent and those with diverse racing backgrounds.
Rodriguez's participation in the race would likely lead to an early pace, with potential contributions from Grande and Crudo. This scenario would benefit closers Journalism, Baeza, and Hill Road, assuming they can secure favourable racing positions.
The tactical implications of the distance change cannot be understated. Where the traditional Belmont often became a test of pure stamina in the final quarter mile, this renewal should maintain competitive intensity throughout, potentially producing a more visually exciting spectacle for racing fans.
The race promises compelling storylines with established stars, emerging talents, and intriguing bloodlines converging for a fitting climax to another memorable Triple Crown campaign. Whether Sovereignty can confirm his Derby superiority or Journalism can complete a remarkable double after his Preakness heroics remains the central question facing this year's renewal.