Belmont Stakes Field Offers More Than Two Names

The Belmont Stakes Field is being promoted as a head-to-head between Sovereignty horse, winner of the Kentucky Derby, and Journalism, who finished second in the Derby and came back with a determined effort in the Preakness. The matchup has drawn national attention, with both horses positioned as top contenders for the final leg of the Triple Crown. But the race presents more layers than the narrative suggests.

Sovereignty horse enters as the likely favorite. His late surge in the Kentucky Derby showed his ability to maintain speed through the stretch. After skipping the Preakness, he arrives at Belmont Stakes with rest and focused preparation. Some see that as a smart choice for a mile-and-a-half race. Others believe bypassing a live contest may dull his competitive edge.

Trainer Lisa Herrera remains confident in the timing. “He’s sharper now than he was five weeks ago,” she said. “He’s been training the way we hoped. The plan from the beginning was to give him the best setup for this distance.” Herrera knows the demands of the Belmont Stakes Field well and has been through similar situations before.

On the other side is Journalism horse, the only horse still in contention for a two-leg sweep. His Preakness win showed grit. Despite early pressure, he held on with steady determination. His Derby performance was also solid, missing first by just over a length. Now the question is whether he can keep that effort going over 12 furlongs, a test that often challenges even the most durable colts.

Trainer Ron Dorsey isn’t worried. “He doesn’t know when to quit,” Dorsey said. “He keeps pushing even when we think he’s reached his limit. That mindset helps when others start slowing down.” It’s not just the speed that matters at Belmont Stakes Field, it’s the ability to handle the pressure when the race stretches further than most horses are used to.

But Sovereignty horse and Journalism aren’t the only ones in the conversation.

Agate, who finished third in the Preakness, is getting more attention heading into Saturday. He didn’t have the strongest start in Baltimore, but made up ground late. His pedigree suggests the distance should suit him well. If the early pace turns out to be fast, Agate could be the one closing ground when it counts. He’s a serious part of this Belmont Stakes Field, not just a name to fill the gate.

Another name to watch in the Belmont Stakes Field is Glass House. He hasn’t run outside of  New York but has done well on this track. He’s usually near the front early, which might make him a target if others decide to press the pace. Still, his team believes his consistency over longer morning workouts shows he can manage the stretch.

Far Meridian brings a different angle. He didn’t appear in either of the first two Triple Crown races, but he has been in steady training with this one in mind. While not flashy, he finishes strong and stays within range. That kind of quiet consistency has worked at Belmont Stakes Field before, especially in races that fall apart late.

The race conditions will likely shape the outcome. If Journalism and Sovereignty horse go too hard too early, they may wear each other down, opening the door for a closer. If one of them holds back and waits, the strategy could pay off at the far turn.

Recent Belmont Stakes Field race results suggest that unexpected finishes are not unusual. Favorites don’t always deliver, especially when the pace breaks down. Two years ago, a long shot closed from mid-pack and caught the leaders late when they couldn’t hold on. Saturday’s race could unfold the same way.

The extra distance at Belmont Stakes levels the field in ways the Derby and Preakness do not. Raw speed matters less here. What counts is the ability to stay steady through fatigue, judge pace, and respond when others fade.

This year’s race brings a strong headline, but the horses behind the top two may shape how it ends. The pressure of expectation will be on Sovereignty horse and Journalism horse. For the rest of the Belmont Stakes Field, a quieter buildup could work in their favor.

With only one Triple Crown race left this season, the Belmont Stakes Field provides a final chance for this group of three-year-olds to leave a mark. While the spotlight remains on the familiar pair, Saturday’s outcome may depend on who handles the stretch best, not just who enters with the most attention.