Sovereignty Shines in Highly Anticipated Clash, Adds Another Classic Jewel to Her Crown

In a Belmont Stakes straight out of a movie script, Godolphin’s star colt once again turned back Journalism, fresh off his Preakness win, and now looms as the leading 3-year-old of the season with the Travers and the Breeders’ Cup firmly in his sights

Junior Alvarado and Sovereignty, captured in an unforgettable moment / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- In one of the most anticipated showdowns in recent memory, Sovereignty once again showcased his class, drawing clear of Journalism and Baeza to capture the 157th running of the GI Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. The final jewel of the American Triple Crown, contested for the second time at the historic Spa due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, offered a $2-million purse and a narrative worthy of the big screen.

Carrying the famed royal blue silks of Godolphin, the homebred colt reprised the exact finish of the GI Kentucky Derby, sealing his second Grade I win in decisive fashion under Junior Alvarado and the guidance of Hall of Famer Bill Mott. The victory further solidified Sovereignty’s claim as the division leader and set the stage for a summer campaign targeting the GI Travers Stakes and, if all goes according to plan, the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic.

A son of Into Mischief, Sovereignty settled kindly through the early stages before swinging wide turning for home and unleashing a powerful rally that carried him to a commanding three-length score, stopping the clock in 2:00.69 for the 1 1/4 miles.

"I think we beat a really good field," said Mott. "Journalism is a top-class horse. I watched him all week—he looked fantastic, carried great weight, had a shiny coat. We knew he’d show up, and he did. But Sovereignty was just too good today."

Since his thrilling last-to-first triumph in the Derby on May 3, Sovereignty’s connections faced criticism for bypassing the GI Preakness S., a decision rooted in long-term planning. Meanwhile, Journalism—trained by Michael McCarthy—stepped into the Pimlico spotlight and won despite a tough trip, setting up a tantalizing rematch at Saratoga, one that ultimately rewarded patience.

"Regardless of what people said, we did what we thought was best for the horse," explained Michael Banahan, Godolphin’s Director of Bloodstock. "He ran hard in the Derby and had a demanding spring. The spacing between Churchill and the Belmont was ideal. We want him to be a horse for the whole year. The Travers is very important to us, and hopefully, the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar will be in his future."

As expected, the top contenders found each other early. Alvarado, breaking from post 2, secured a ground-saving fourth, while Umberto Rispoli aboard Journalism was forced to recover from a slight stutter-step at the break and raced wide in fifth. Up front, Rodriguez (Into Mischief), winner of the GII Wood Memorial, dueled with Crudo (Justify) through opening fractions of :23.42 and :47.60.

“He broke sharp again, just like in the Derby,” said Alvarado. “I was surprised how close he was early, but he was doing it all so easy. I had Journalism in my sights the whole way, and everything was under control.”

Rispoli made a bold move on the far turn, launching Journalism three-wide to the front. Baeza, under Flavien Prat, began his rally from well back, but it was clear that Sovereignty was sitting on a bigger move. Alvarado angled his mount out, and when asked, the colt responded with the turn of foot reserved for champions.

“He was ready,” said the Argentine rider. “When I tipped him out and asked, he just exploded. He did it like a real pro.”

With a mile in 1:36.70, Journalism briefly looked like he might hold, but Sovereignty collared him with authority in the final furlong and drew clear. Baeza closed for third but never threatened the top two.

At the wire, Sovereignty was three and a half lengths clear of Journalism, with Baeza another 3 1/2 lengths back in third. Rodriguez held fourth, followed by Hill Road (Quality Road), Heart of Honor (Honor A.P.), Uncaged, and Crudo.

In a touching post-race moment, Alvarado and Rispoli embraced, with the former reaching over to pat Journalism’s neck. “He ran a tremendous race,” said Alvarado. “To compete at this level in all three Triple Crown races the way he did is incredible. But today, once again, it was Sovereignty’s day.”

For Mott, based year-round at Saratoga’s Oklahoma Training Track, the win carried personal significance. “This is our home base, and we had this race circled after the Derby,” he said. “If we had lost, people might have second-guessed skipping the Preakness, but the horse delivered. Junior rode with confidence, and it all came together.”

It marked Mott’s second Belmont victory, following his 2010 success with Drosselmeyer. For Alvarado, Sovereignty has now delivered his first Derby and Belmont wins—a career-defining partnership.

On the Journalism side, there was nothing but admiration. “When a good horse gets rest, he becomes dangerous,” said McCarthy. “Sovereignty trains here—he was at home today. Hopefully, everyone stays healthy and we meet again at Del Mar. This whole experience has been unforgettable.”

McCarthy also addressed the start: “He seemed to stumble in the second stride, but recovered fine and ran his race. He was clearly second best. He’s a phenomenal colt—three huge efforts in five weeks, with a win and two seconds at the highest level. There’s nothing negative to say.”

Rispoli, fresh off his first Triple Crown win in the Preakness, offered a gracious assessment. “I had a good trip, but when I looked to my outside and saw Junior going by without urging, I knew it was over. The difference might’ve been freshness. But no excuses. He beat us twice. He’s a great horse. So is mine.”

Prat noted that Baeza was too sluggish early: “I tried to engage him, but he didn’t pick up until late. By then, the top two were gone. No real excuse.”

Now with three wins from seven starts and earnings over $4.8 million, Sovereignty is the clear frontrunner in the 3-year-old division. After wins in the GII Fountain of Youth and GI Kentucky Derby, and a strong second in the Florida Derby, the Belmont added another jewel to his crown. He returned $7 to win.

Sovereignty also became the first colt since Thunder Gulch (Gulch) in 1995 to win the Derby and Belmont without sweeping the Triple Crown. For Godolphin, it was their second Belmont victory, following Essential Quality (Tapit) in 2021.

With Saratoga conquered, all eyes now turn to Travers Day.