In a thrilling rematch of Kentucky Derby contenders, Sovereignty surged past Journalism to win the 157th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday. The victory marked Sovereignty’s second win in this year’s Triple Crown series, making him the only horse to capture two of the three races in 2025 — a feat not seen since 2018.
Trainer Bill Mott, who also won the Belmont once before, was thrilled to see his colt bounce back after skipping the Preakness. “These are three exceptional horses,” Mott said. “I’m proud Sovereignty came back and ran as well as he did in the Derby. Winning at Saratoga, where we spend our summers, makes it even more meaningful.”
Due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, the race was again held at Saratoga. Jockey Junior Alvarado guided Sovereignty skillfully, waiting until the final stretch to make his move. Journalism, who had taken the early lead, was overtaken as Sovereignty powered ahead to win by three lengths. Baeza, consistent throughout the series, finished third — matching the top three from the Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty completed the 1 1/4-mile course in 2:00.69 and went off as the 5-2 second favorite. He paid $7 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.30 to show. Journalism, the 2-1 favorite, returned $3.20 and $2.30, while Baeza paid $2.60 to show.
The Derby-winning colt, owned by Godolphin, opted out of the Preakness to focus on a longer campaign — sacrificing a shot at the Triple Crown but preserving his strength. It was a calculated decision by Mott and Godolphin’s Michael Banahan, prioritizing the horse’s long-term health.
“It wasn’t about chasing headlines,” Banahan explained. “It was about what was best for the horse.”
Now, all eyes turn toward the Travers Stakes in August, a prestigious late-summer race at Saratoga. Mott, who has yet to win that event, has his sights set on returning with Sovereignty if the colt stays in peak condition.
“We’ll see how things go,” Mott said. “If he’s healthy, that’s the race we’ll be aiming for.”
