Belmont Stakes 2025: Saratoga Race Course Debate

The Belmont Stakes horse racing returns on Saturday, this time hosted at Saratoga Race Course. With $2 million on the line in this Grade 1 event, the field of eight is led by two high-profile runners: Journalism and Sovereignty. Their clash could help shape the outcome of the 3-year-old championship picture for the season.

Journalism enters as the morning-line favorite at 8-5 following a strong finish in the Preakness Stakes. Sovereignty, winner of the Kentucky Derby, is listed at 2-1 and skipped the Preakness to rest and prepare. The two top contenders headline what could be a competitive stretch to the wire. Post time is 7:04 p.m. ET, with FOX airing coverage from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Journalism, the Preakness winner and morning-line favorite at 8-5, enters with strong confidence following a powerful late surge in his last race. Trainer Michael McCarthy has highlighted that Journalism’s energy has remained steady during his training at Saratoga Race Course, which has helped maintain his form. He could benefit if the early pace is fast, allowing him to use his sharp closing speed. But the short track at Saratoga Race Course, not like the long Belmont, might cut the time he has to move up. Also, tight spots or bad timing can slow his end run.

Sovereignty, the winner at the Kentucky Derby and picked second at 2-1, missed the Preakness to rest. This gave him a six-week break before he faces Journalism once more.

He beat Journalism by a length and a half in Louisville and arrives well-rested for this challenge. While he has already proven able to finish ahead of his main rival, the layoff could have dulled his competitive edge, especially against a sharper Journalism who recently raced at Pimlico.

Mindframe, trained by Todd Pletcher and listed at 7-2, is undefeated in two starts and has won comfortably in both. Pletcher feels the colt is ready to step up to stakes company for the first time, showing promise in his early races. Still, this will be Mindframe’s first experience against top-tier competition and his first race over a longer distance, which could prove to be a significant test.

Honor Marie, with odds at 12-1 under trainer Whit Beckman, had a difficult trip in the Kentucky Derby, finishing eighth, but boasts a solid record overall. He performs best when the race shape favors horses coming from behind, so a quick early pace could play to his advantage. Yet, he needs everything to align perfectly and has not shown strong results against the highest level of competition this season.

The Wine Steward, trained by Mike Maker and listed at 15-1, is a local runner familiar with Saratoga Race Course. He has been consistent in stakes races but has yet to deliver a breakthrough performance. His comfort on this surface and steady preparation could be an asset, but he faces tougher opponents here than in previous races, which could limit his impact.

Old Books, with odds of 12-1 and trained by Todd Pletcher, gets into the Belmont Stakes horse racing after a win in the Peter Pan Stakes, a key lead-up to this big race. He comes from strong stock built for long runs, making him seem right for the lengthy track. His recent show of form is on the up, though doubts hang on if he can keep up with the top horses in this race. If he keeps getting better, the Saratoga Race Course might tell us more about how good he is in the summer.

Guard, also in the Belmont Stakes horse racing from the Pletcher team, is pegged at 20-1. Though yet to win, he’s done well in two big races, showing he can fight at this level. Not having a win yet makes Saturday’s race tougher, but his past runs could help. If he does better, keep an eye on him at Saratoga Race Course later on, where many good ones hit their peak.

Grab the Grey, prepared by D. Wayne Lukas and with odds of 8-1, just won the Pat Day Mile on Derby Day. He brings speed to the Belmont Stakes horse race and is in top form now. Lukas’s long experience adds to this horse’s chances. But, going a longer way could be tough. Many will watch how he does this weekend, eyeing possible big races at Saratoga down the line.

Journalism and Sovereignty hold the edge based on past results, but the field includes enough variety to keep the outcome uncertain. From rising talent to seasoned entries, several horses have a path to the winner’s circle if circumstances favor them. Saratoga Race Course’s surface, pace setup, and racing conditions could play a role in shaping how this edition of the Belmont unfolds.