### Sovereignty Triumphs in a Thrilling Belmont Stakes Rematch The 157th Belmont Stakes, held on June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course, showcased a highly anticipated rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism, the top two finishers from the Kentucky Derby. Sovereignty, who had previously won the Derby, outpaced Journalism, the Preakness winner, to claim victory in a race that mirrored their earlier encounter. This event marked the second Belmont Stakes hosted at Saratoga, adding to the excitement of the day. ### Breakdown of the Belmont Stakes Event 1. **Race Overview** - Sovereignty won the Belmont Stakes, finishing with a time of 2:00.69, defeating Journalism by three lengths [https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/2025/06/07/sovereignty-journalism-win-belmont-stakes-saratoga]. - The race was set up as a rematch following Sovereignty's victory in the Kentucky Derby, where he also bested Journalism [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6410812/2025/06/07/sovereignty-surges-to-win-belmont-stakes]. 2. **Key Performers** - Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, was the 5-2 second favorite in the race, while Journalism was the 2-1 betting favorite [https://www.ketv.com/article/sovereignty-beats-journalism-win-belmont-stakes/65000472]. - Jockey Junior Alvarado rode Sovereignty, executing a strategic move in the final stretch to secure the win [https://abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/1e9a3a3b/sovereignty-wins-2025-belmont-stakes]. 3. **Significance of the Win** - This victory solidified Sovereignty's status as a leading three-year-old in 2025, having won two of the three Triple Crown races [https://gondwanauniversity.org/sovereignty-wins-157th-belmont-stakes-denies-journalism-triple-crown-glory-in-thrilling-rematch]. - The decision to skip the Preakness Stakes, which Journalism won, raised questions about what could have been if Sovereignty had participated [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/sovereigntys_belmont_stakes_win_sparks_huge_what_if_question/s1_13132_42298819]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Race Results** - Sovereignty: 1st place, time: 2:00.69 - Journalism: 2nd place, margin: 3 lengths - Preakness Winner: Journalism, who had previously won the second leg of the Triple Crown [https://www.wlky.com/article/sovereignty-beats-journalism-belmont-stakes/65000406]. - **Betting Odds** - Sovereignty: 5-2 - Journalism: 2-1 [https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/triple-crown/sovereignty-belmont-stakes-winner-2025/3930948/?os=rokuFno_journeysDtruerefappamp19Gwnq5i2]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Horse Racing **Sovereignty's victory in the Belmont Stakes not only reaffirms his prowess as a top competitor but also leaves fans pondering the implications of his decision to skip the Preakness.** 1. **Victory Analysis** - Sovereignty's win at Saratoga adds to his legacy, having already claimed the Kentucky Derby title. 2. **Future Implications** - The outcome raises questions about the potential for a Triple Crown win had Sovereignty participated in the Preakness. 3. **Legacy Considerations** - This race will be remembered as a significant moment in the 2025 horse racing season, highlighting the intense rivalry between Sovereignty and Journalism [https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/45471553/kentucky-derby-victor-sovereignty-returns-win-belmont-stakes].