Election Outcome 2025 - Sovereignty Emerges Victorious, Journalism Secures Second Place, Baeza Displays Impressive Performance
Scootin' on home stretch, Junior Alvarado guided Sovereignty into the open and let loose the beast for a glorious run. Bye-bye Journalism, hello wire! With a good three lengths advantage over the place horse, Sovereigigt proved its mettle as it galloped out with vigor. Baeza barely made it past Journalism, trailing by two lengths.
The Scorching Stretch Run and final order echoed the 2025 Kentucky Derby, save for the chilly June rain at Saratoga. Thankfully, the rain had stopped earlier in the day, leaving the track fast and dry – much drier than Churchill Downs. Sovereignty wrapped up in 2:00.69, reminiscent of Derby Day.
As second-favorite, Sovereignty went off at 5-2, while Journalism, the apparent Belmont favorite, started at 2-1. Sovereignty brought a nice win, fetching $7.20 on a $2 bet. Journalism was $3.20 in second place, and Baeza, at 7-2, paid out $2.60. Bob Baffert's Rodriguez failed to uphold its early lead and limped to a modest fourth spot.
Sovereignty now joins the history books as the lone horse not to participate in the Preakness yet still claiming the first and third legs of the Triple Crown series. Sovereignty pocketed a cool $1.2 million of the Belmont's $2 million purse.
Breaking through the second stall, Alvarado steered Sovereignty on the inside, close to the action all the way down the first turn, with Rodriguez leading the way. Around the back stretch, Rodriguez remained in front until Rispoli slid Journalism past Sovereignty as they took the far turn, settling Journalism neatly two off the lead.
Alvarado knew his moment to shine was coming, collecting and readying Sovereignty to make a bold move. At the top of the stretch, Alvarado expertly steered Sovereignty wide, engaging in a clever maneuver that crossed three lanes without hindering the horse's momentum. A flash of power, and there he was, gliding on the home stretch with an open path to the line.
With Journalism flailing behind, Sovereignty powered forward, claiming the win with an impressive three-length margin at the wire. The stunning run was like watching a jaguar stalking its prey, maintaining a commanding stride all the way to the finish. If the race had been extended to its traditional 1.5 miles, Sovereignty would've dominated even more. A true stallion built for distance, we can only hope to witness this majestic run again.
The amazing Belmont contest shone a light on the fierce competition between Sovereignty and Journalism. Leading up to the Kentucky Derby, Journalism's charm and popularity made it the favored horse for many – including NYRA's Andy Serling, who sadly missed calling the finish order. NYRA Bets even touted Serling's incorrect picks with a snazzy cartoon on their live odds betting page for the race.
Despite NYRA's confidence in Journalism, Sovereignty demonstrated its undeniable athletic prowess in the Belmont, leaving no doubt about its place atop the Class of 2025. Journalism will have a hard time erasing that memory in the late summer meetings.
Trainer William Mott managed to keep his elation under wraps but revealed his relief that the decision to skip the Preakness had paid off. "This was home; it's the race we were aiming for after the Derby," Mott said. "Sovereignty was good, Junior rode him well, and he responded splendidly when Alvarado released the reins."
Jockey Junior Alvarado echoed his trainer's sentiments. "I was a bit shocked but extremely satisfied with how smoothly Sovereignty shifted gears and mastered the final half-mile of the race," Alvarado shared. "I didn't need to make up much ground because Sovereignty stayed close to the pace. He was ready today, and right when we were turning for home, I gave him the go-ahead; he was just incredible."
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In the lighting of the Belmont Stakes 2025, Sovereignty, under the guidance of Junior Alvarado, showcased its respective horse-racing prowess, matching strides with the anticipated favorite, Journalism, trained by William Mott, also known as Bob Baffert. Ironically, Sovereignty snatched the victory without participating in the Preakness, marking its entry into the history books as a unique case.
Reflecting the sportsmanship and competitive spirit of the thoroughbred racing world, the race intriguingly mirrored the previously publicized glory of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, contributing to the ongoing journalism discourse and heated debates surrounding the horse-racing scene.
