The 2025 Belmont Stakes Winner: Sovereignty

HORSE RACING
June 9, 2025

Sovereignty Rules Belmont After Skipping the Middle Jewel

 

The Belmont Stakes brought the storyline full circle in the 2025 Triple Crown trail. After an emphatic Kentucky Derby win, Sovereignty returned from a five-week break to once again conquer Journalism and Baeza, the same foes he defeated on the first Saturday in May. 

His three-length win at Saratoga Race Course in the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) left no room for doubt. When fans bet on Belmont results or compare Belmont Stakes odds across platforms, they’ll likely remember this race as a definitive moment of domination. 

With much of the wagering spotlight on Belmont Stakes betting following Journalism’s brilliant run in Baltimore, Sovereignty remained behind the scenes, recovering, refining, and waiting for his shot at redemption. That decision turned out to be a gold mine.

 

 A Kentucky Derby Replay with Extra Authority

 

Godolphin’s homebred Sovereignty added another crown to his collection and reaffirmed his dominance over this year’s crop of three-year-olds. Foaled from Into Mischief and out of Crowned, a mare by Bernardini, Sovereignty has been expertly conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and piloted with precision by jockey Junior Alvarado. 

Their strategy in the Belmont was straightforward: stalk the leaders, time the move perfectly, and finish stronger than anyone else. That plan played out precisely as envisioned. According to Alvarado, the race unfolded much like the Kentucky Derby, with Sovereignty once again overtaking Journalism in the final stages.

The three-length margin of victory topped his Derby win and underscored his superiority at the 1 1/4-mile distance. Crossing the finish in 2:00.69, Sovereignty made a case for being the most complete three-year-old in training. 

Mott, who previously won this race, remained unfazed by earlier criticism regarding his decision to skip the Preakness Stakes. Observers had voiced disappointment that his choice denied the sport a possible Triple Crown bid. Still, Mott maintained confidence in the strategy and expressed satisfaction with how it all unfolded.

 

Trainer Vindicated, Fresh Horse Dominates

 

Mott reiterated post-race that the Belmont had always been the target. Had the outcome been different, questions would have come, but Sovereignty validated the team’s foresight. He applauded Alvarado for executing their game plan to perfection and praised the competition, which brought out the best in his colt.

Although a Triple Crown was not on the line, the matchup between Sovereignty and Journalism electrified fans. A crowd of 46,243 turned out at Saratoga, contributing to a handle of $101,861,883. These figures reflected nationwide anticipation for a contest between a rested Sovereignty and a battle-tested Journalism. Trainer Michael McCarthy, who conditions Journalism, acknowledged the toll three intense races can take. While he made no excuses, he noted that Sovereignty’s longer recovery time paid dividends.

McCarthy stood by his decision to keep Journalism in the Triple Crown series, stating that the colt’s consistency and courage deserved recognition. He also highlighted Sovereignty’s comfort level at Saratoga, where he’d been training extensively in the weeks before the Belmont Stakes.

 

Top Three Cement Division Supremacy

 

Jockey Umberto Rispoli echoed those sentiments. He admitted that freshness played a role in the outcome, but gave full credit to Sovereignty’s class and performance. He commended Journalism’s determination and reiterated his respect for the rival who has now proven best twice.

The race unfolded largely as anticipated. With Mike Smith aboard, Rodriguez, conditioned by Bob Baffert, set a steady early pace of 47.60 and 1:12.20 while Crudo pressed close behind. 

When both began to fade, turning for home, Journalism seized the lead. That move triggered Sovereignty’s response. From a tracking position mid-pack, he surged forward with intent and stormed past them all to seize control and win decisively.

Baeza, trained by John Shirreffs, completed the trifecta once again. The McKinzie colt rallied from sixth and ran well, but like in the Derby, he couldn’t match strides with the top two in the stretch. His continued presence on the board solidified his reputation as a top-level contender.

With the Travers Stakes (G1) set for August 23 at Saratoga, this fierce rivalry may reignite. Godolphin USA’s Michael Banahan mentioned the Travers as a strong possibility for Sovereignty’s next outing and said it would be significant if Bill Mott could add that trophy to his collection.

 

What Comes Next for This Talented Crop?

 

Although the Belmont field included only eight runners, it boasted a high quality. Behind the top trio, others, such as Rodriguez, Crudo, Hill Road, Uncaged, and Heart of Honor, struggled to keep pace. Rodriguez and Crudo faded after early speed battles. Hill Road offered a mild late effort under Irad Ortiz Jr. but never threatened. Uncaged and Heart of Honor had no impact on the outcome.

What stood out above all was Sovereignty’s poise. Even after heavy rain earlier in the day stirred concern about the track surface, he was unshaken. Rated fast by post time, the dirt played true, and Sovereignty made it his stage.

Now boasting four wins from seven starts and earnings north of $4.8 million, Sovereignty has elevated himself to the top of his division. Into Mischief, the sire standing at Spendthrift Farm for $250,000, has sired yet another star destined for greatness.

 

Final Words

 

This edition of the Belmont Stakes reminded everyone of the power of preparation, patience, and precision. Sovereignty didn’t just win; he did so with purpose and flair, proving that calculated decisions often yield the best rewards. While Journalism fought valiantly and Baeza continued to show class, the crown, on this day, belonged solely to Sovereignty.

As summer racing heats up and Saratoga prepares for the Travers and beyond, the stage is set for more fireworks.

Stay sharp, follow the Belmont Stakes betting markets, and gear up for the next major showdown. Whether you’re diving into odds, scouting form, or waiting for another close stretch duel, don’t miss out. Visit our racebook now for expert picks, updated lines, and a front-row seat to the sport’s best stories.

 

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