There may be no Triple Crown at stake this year, but the stage is set for two champions to battle it out in this year’s Belmont Stakes. The winner of both the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty, and the reigning Preakness Stakes champion, Journalism, are both set to take part in the final leg of this year’s Triple Crown. In many ways, it will be a rematch of this year’s Kentucky Derby, where Sovereignty held off the challenge of pre-race favorite Journalism to write his name in the history books of the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” The decision was made by Sovereignty’s owners to then skip the Preakness, a race Journalism managed to win, in order to focus on this weekend’s Belmont Stakes. So who is this year’s favorite and what can you expect from the final leg of this year’s Triple Crown? How to watch? The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes will once again be held at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a share of $2 million up for grabs. Those without a ticket can watch the action live on FOX and FS1, with the race set to get underway at 7:04 p.m. ET on Saturday. If you want to watch online, the race can be streamed on the FOX Sports app. Kentucky Derby rematch The final stretch of this year’s Kentucky Derby might well be the perfect preview for the Belmont Stakes, with both Journalism and Sovereignty going head to head in a sprint finish. The pair came off the final bend together, with Journalism initially taking the lead. But Sovereignty looked more comfortable on the wet track and powered past his rival to take the win by a length and a half. The following day, though, Sovereignty’s trainer Bill Mott said the horse had a scrape on his right front pastern, which is above the hoof. Mott said it likely was from clipping heels with another horse when exiting the gate and the decision was in the following days to rest Sovereignty for the Preakness – ending dreams of a first Triple Crown since 2018. It meant Journalism was once again favorite for the “middle jewel” and managed to grab the win from the jaws of defeat at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy, appeared to hit a dead-end as he tried to find a way past fading horses on the final stretch and was then severely bumped as he tried to sneak through a gap. Despite being hampered in the run-in, Journalism regained some momentum and raced past the runaway leader Gosger just before crossing the line. “In the back of mind, I thought we’d be two for two here, but you know what, just happy to get one of these. They are very, very difficult races to win,” McCarthy said after the Preakness. Journalism favorite again Attention has now turned to Saratoga Race Course for a second showdown between the two. Journalism is the favorite to win, according to the most recent odds, but Sovereignty isn’t too far away in the bookmakers’ estimations. “He’s been kind of the same horse since July of last summer,” trainer McCarthy said about Journalism in the buildup to this year’s Belmont. “He does everything you’d ask a good horse to do: he eats well, trains well, acts well. I thought through the last six, seven weeks here, his energy’s been the same throughout.” It is also worth keeping an eye on Baeza who finished third in the Kentucky Derby and might have improved on that finish had the race had continued for a little longer. Sovereignty trainer Mott said he’s aware that anyone from the field of eight could pose a threat. “He’s improved, as I think as many of these horses have,” Mott said of his own horse. “I think this entire group, if you look at their form and the way they’ve developed over the course of this year, I think they’ve made steady progress and it should be an interesting race.” 2025 runners and odds Below are the official betting odds for this year’s Belmont Stakes. Odds are accurate as of 6:10a ET on Saturday, June 7. 1. Hill Road (17/1) 2. Sovereignty (9/2) 3. Rodriguez (8/1) 4. Uncaged (23/1) 5. Crudo (15/1) 6. Baeza (7/2) 7. Journalism (1/1) 8. Heart of Honor (22/1)
Belmont Stakes: Battle of the champions in Triple Crown’s third leg
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sovereignty and Journalism Set for Rematch in Belmont Stakes"
CNN
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The Belmont Stakes is set to feature an exciting rematch between two champions, Sovereignty and Journalism, who have both made their mark in the Triple Crown series this year. Sovereignty, who won the Kentucky Derby, will face off against Journalism, the reigning Preakness Stakes champion. Their previous encounter at the Kentucky Derby saw Sovereignty fend off a late charge from Journalism, securing victory despite a scrape that led to his withdrawal from the Preakness. The decision by Sovereignty’s owners to focus solely on the Belmont Stakes has heightened anticipation for this matchup, which will take place at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a significant prize pool of $2 million at stake. The race is scheduled to begin at 7:04 p.m. ET and can be viewed live on FOX and FS1, as well as streamed via the FOX Sports app for those without tickets.
As the race approaches, Journalism is currently favored to win, although Sovereignty is not far behind in the odds. Both trainers have expressed confidence in their horses' preparations; Journalism's trainer, Michael McCarthy, noted the horse's consistent performance and energy levels leading up to the race, while Bill Mott, trainer for Sovereignty, acknowledged the competitive nature of the race and the improvement seen in his horse. Additionally, Baeza, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, is considered a potential threat, having demonstrated significant ability. The Belmont Stakes promises to be an intriguing contest, not only as a rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism but also as a showcase of the evolving talents within the field of competitors. The overall excitement surrounding this event reflects the deep-rooted traditions of horse racing and the ongoing quest for glory in the world of Thoroughbred racing.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an overview of the upcoming Belmont Stakes, highlighting the rivalry between two prominent racehorses, Sovereignty and Journalism. Although there is no Triple Crown on the line this year, the narrative builds excitement around this rematch following their previous encounter at the Kentucky Derby. By focusing on the backstory of the horses and the stakes of the race, the article aims to engage horse racing fans and create anticipation for the event.
Purpose of the Article
The piece serves to inform readers about the Belmont Stakes while also generating interest in the race by emphasizing the narrative of the two champion horses. The inclusion of details from their previous race adds depth to the story, potentially increasing viewer engagement and excitement leading up to the event.
Public Perception
By framing the race as a significant rematch, the article fosters a sense of anticipation among fans. The dramatic recounting of the Kentucky Derby creates a narrative that highlights the competitiveness of the two horses, which may resonate well with the audience. This storytelling technique aims to create a buzz around the Belmont Stakes, encouraging viewership and participation from the horse racing community.
Potential Omissions
The article does not delve deeply into the broader implications of the race or the financial stakes involved beyond the $2 million prize. While it effectively captures the excitement of the event, there may be an underlying intention to keep the focus on the race itself, potentially diverting attention from other aspects, such as the economic implications of horse racing or the betting environment.
Manipulative Elements
The overall tone of the article leans towards building excitement rather than providing a balanced view of the event. While it is not overtly manipulative, the emphasis on rivalry and past performances may skew public perception towards favoring one horse over another without providing comprehensive analysis on their training or conditions leading up to the race.
Comparison with Other Articles
When compared to similar coverage of horse racing events, this article focuses heavily on the personal stories of the horses and their trainers. Many other sports articles may not provide the same level of narrative depth, which could indicate a trend in how horse racing is marketed compared to other sports.
Impact on Society and Economy
The Belmont Stakes, as a major sporting event, can have various impacts. Increased viewership can lead to higher betting activity, which in turn affects the local economy around Saratoga Springs. The excitement generated by the race may also influence the broader culture of horse racing, potentially attracting new fans and participants.
Target Audience
This article is likely aimed at horse racing enthusiasts, casual sports fans, and individuals interested in the narratives surrounding competitive sports. By highlighting the champions and their previous encounter, it seeks to engage those who appreciate the drama and competition of the sport.
Market Influence
While the article does not directly discuss stock market implications, events like the Belmont Stakes can impact shares of companies involved in horse racing, betting, and related industries. Increased interest in the event may lead to a surge in stocks related to sports betting platforms.
Global Context
Although the article focuses on a specific sporting event, it does not appear to connect directly to broader global power dynamics. However, the popularity of horse racing does reflect cultural interests that can be influenced by social trends and economic conditions.
Use of AI
There is no explicit indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, certain phrases and the overall structure might suggest algorithmic influence, particularly in presenting the narrative in an engaging way. If AI were involved, it might have assisted in generating excitement through strategic phrasing and emphasis on key competitors.
Trustworthiness
The article appears credible as it provides factual information about the race and its participants, but it is tailored to create excitement and engagement. While not misleading, it does focus heavily on narrative rather than providing a comprehensive view of all aspects of the event.