Preakness hero and Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism will line up on this weekend’s Belmont Stakes.
The three-year-old phenomenon was despatched off because the Kentucky Derby favourite in Could after profitable the Santa Anita Derby a month prior however went down by 1½ lengths to Sovereignty at Churchill Downs.
With no Sovereignty to fret about at Pimlico two weeks later, Journalism justified odds-on favoritism to win the Preakness Stakes in probably the most dramatic style by a half size.
Skilled by Michael McCarthy, Journalism defied a nightmare journey to win the Preakness after being niggled alongside early and assembly extreme hassle in-running.
McCarthy, who received the race for a second time after triumph with Rombauer in 2021, mentioned: “He’s a beautiful mover. He will get over the bottom very effectively. He’s bought an unimaginable stride to him.”
The coach was impressed by a bit of labor from Journalism at Saratoga on Sunday and felt there was no cause to not head to Belmont Park for the $2 million Grade 1.
The ultimate leg of the Triple Crown is staged this Saturday, June 7 and Journalism would be the solely horse among the many discipline to have competed in all three races.
Sovereignty’s proprietor Godolphin opted to sidestep a shot on the Triple Crown in favor of staying contemporary for the Belmont and the Kentucky Derby 1-2 will meet once more within the Check of Champions.
WATCH: Journalism wins the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Will Journalism win the 2025 Belmont Stakes?
Journalism heads to Belmont Park with each probability of profitable the Belmont Stakes nevertheless it’s unlikely he’ll go off as favourite as that tag will assumedly belong to Sovereignty.
The colt has had three powerful races for the reason that begin of April and there’s a risk these efforts may depart their mark on him, particularly as he was all out to win the Preakness simply three weeks in the past.
He’s a troublesome, hardy horse and is bound to be concerned within the end however whether or not he’ll have sufficient left within the tank to recover from the road in entrance is a very totally different job.
Sovereignty has been stored contemporary for this in thoughts however was additionally well-suited by the sloppy situations at Churchill Downs final month – and we’re anticipating quick floor at Belmont Park, which Journalism thrived on at Pimlico.
The Preakness-Belmont double has been accomplished 18 instances and the final to do it was Afleet Alex in 2005 so Journalism has the possibility to make latest historical past if profitable.
Journalism’s sire Curlin hosed up within the Arkansas Derby in preparation for the Triple Crown in 2007, occurring to complete third within the Kentucky Derby, profitable the Preakness and coming second within the Belmont.
It’s most likely price opposing Journalism on the costs contemplating during the last 22 renewals of the Belmont, solely three Preakness winners had been triumphant in New York.
14 winners of the Belmont during the last 22 years have competed within the Kentucky Derby – 11 of these 14 received the Derby and had been put away for the ultimate leg of the Triple Crown.
When is the draw for the 2025 Belmont Stakes?
The Belmont Stakes publish place draw is about for 5pm EST on Monday, June 2.
