Journalism Favored in High-Stakes Belmont Showdown at Saratoga
The Belmont Stakes returns to Saratoga Race Course in 2025, and the buzz is louder than ever. With the historic Belmont Park undergoing a major overhaul, the third leg of the Triple Crown lands once again in the upstate New York town, where racing roots run deep. Though the setting has shifted, the stakes remain as high as ever — even if the race is a furlong or two shorter than its traditional “Test of the Champion” length.
Because Saratoga’s track is only 1 1/8 miles, the Belmont Stakes has been shortened to 1 1/4 miles for this temporary relocation — a change that’s sparked debate. Purists call it an “asterisked” Belmont, but history reminds us that the race has evolved many times. Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner, didn’t even run the Belmont at its current 1 1/2-mile distance. The fact is, this race remains a premier test of class, strategy, and endurance — no matter the length.
And while there’s no Triple Crown on the line this year, we’ve still got drama. Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty skipped the Preakness and returns here to face Journalism, the gritty winner of the Preakness Stakes. With a showdown between these two headliners, and a talented field of contenders including Hill Road, Baeza, and Rodriguez, excitement is building fast.
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Journalism is the favorite, and rightfully so. He’s the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races this year. His second-place finish in the Derby and gutsy Preakness win have proven his versatility and fight. Sovereignty, on the other hand, is fresh, having taken the Preakness off. He’s been training well at Saratoga and already answered questions about his ability on a wet track in Louisville.
Rain is forecast for the weekend, and that could shake up the entire field. Horses like Uncaged and Journalism have proven they can handle the slop. Others, like Rodriguez and Crudo, remain unknown quantities when it comes to a muddy surface.
Baeza is generating buzz thanks to his deep pedigree — he’s a half-brother to Dornoch, last year’s Belmont winner — but he’s yet to beat either Sovereignty or Journalism in previous meetings. Still, with Flavien Prat in the irons and a likely pace scenario that plays to his style, Baeza could be sneaky dangerous.
As for betting strategy? Many experts, including FOX Sports’ Chris “The Bear” Fallica, are leaning hard toward Journalism to seal the deal. The idea is that he’ll get first run on Sovereignty — and this time, he just might hold him off. If the pace unfolds as expected, Journalism could become the first horse in 70 years to finish second in the Derby and then win both the Preakness and Belmont.
Post time is 7:04 p.m. ET on Saturday. Coverage runs all day on FS1 and Fox, so whether you're tuning in for the action or placing a wager, this year’s Belmont Stakes promises an electric climax to the 2025 Triple Crown season. Get ready — this one's going to be a run to remember.
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