Belmont Stakes Contender Profile: Journalism

HORSE RACING
May 22, 2025

Belmont Stakes Odds and News

Journalism Eyes Belmont Stakes Victory After Gritty Preakness Win

 

Bet on Belmont excitement is building fast as the third and final leg of the Triple Crown approaches on June 8 at the most emblematic American horse racing racetrack, the Saratoga Race Course. All eyes are now on Journalism, the impressive colt who overcame mid-race adversity to capture the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. 

With the Belmont Stakes odds beginning to take shape, Journalism has emerged as a top contender, especially with Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty skipping the second leg. For fans diving into Belmont Stakes betting this year, Journalism’s grit and pedigree make him a major player to watch.

Journalism’s rise has been steady and impressive. After finishing a strong second in the Kentucky Derby, the Curlin-sired colt surged back two weeks later to deliver a thrilling come-from-behind win in the Preakness. His determination under pressure and ability to handle a tough trip showed exactly why his connections point him to the mile-and-a-half Belmont Stakes, an actual test of endurance, strategy, and heart.

 

A Colt Bred for the Classic Distances

 

Journalism’s pedigree is a blueprint for success at the Belmont Stakes. His sire, Curlin, was the 2007 Preakness winner and is considered one of the most influential stallions in modern American racing. Curlin has produced over 25 Grade 1 winners, including 2016 Preakness champion Exaggerator and top Belmont Stakes performers like Vino Rosso and Palace Malice. 

Journalism’s dam, Mopotism, adds even more depth to his breeding. She is a daughter of Bernardini, the 2006 Preakness winner, and has proven her toughness on the track and in the breeding shed.

This powerful lineage suggests Journalism will thrive at the 1½-mile distance of the Belmont Stakes, a race that demands speed and stamina. Add in the mental toughness he displayed at Pimlico, where he overcame a bump from Goal Oriented and a wall of traffic,  and it’s clear this colt is made for big moments.

Trainer Michael McCarthy, who earned his second Preakness win with Journalism after Rombauer’s 2021 victory, believes his horse is peaking at the right time. Displaced from his Altadena home earlier this year due to wildfires, McCarthy has called Journalism’s success a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year.

 

Likely Rivals at Saratoga

 

With Sovereignty confirmed to skip the Preakness and target the Belmont instead, the matchup between him and Journalism will be one of the most anticipated showdowns of the season. Sovereignty, the powerful Into Mischief colt trained by Bill Mott, won the Kentucky Derby with a strong closing kick and has been explicitly freshened for this race.

Other likely challengers include:

Sandman: The Mark Casse trainee was third in the Preakness and has a win at Saratoga. With strong Belmont Stakes odds, he’ll be a major contender.

River Thames: Trained by Todd Pletcher, River Thames had an eye-catching Fountain of Youth run and will look for redemption after a quiet Preakness performance.

Goal Oriented: Baffert’s late bloomer showed early speed in the Preakness before fading to fourth. If he runs back, he could play the role of pace-setter again.

American Promise: The most experienced runner in the field, D. Wayne Lukas’ colt has 10 starts and a Virginia Derby win to his name. Though he was disappointed in the Preakness, his stamina might have played better over the Belmont’s grueling distance.

 

Belmont Stakes Betting Trends and Outlook

 

The Belmont Stakes is known for upsets and favoring horses that can settle early and grind through a long stretch. The new configuration may change race dynamics slightly since the race moved to Saratoga this year due to Belmont Park’s renovation. However, it still heavily favors horses that can maintain pace and finish strong.

Historically, horses who ran well in the Derby and Preakness tend to fare well at Belmont. Journalism fits that profile perfectly. His victory at Pimlico was physically demanding and mentally challenging, and he responded like a champion.

The betting action will be intense. Early Belmont Stakes odds place Journalism among the top three favorites, alongside Sovereignty and possibly Sandman. With the expected field shaping up to include several closers and pace pushers, the race will likely have an honest tempo, giving horses like Journalism the setup they need.

 

A Champion in the Making?

 

Journalism’s rise from a solid juvenile to a Triple Crown race winner is a testament to careful handling, strategic placement, and tenacity. Umberto Rispoli’s calm guidance and confidence in the colt have been instrumental in the Derby and Preakness performances.

If Journalism captures the Belmont, he would join a rare club of horses who won two of the three Triple Crown legs without capturing all three. For Curlin, another Belmont win by one of his sons would further cement his legacy as a sire of classic winners. It would be a crowning achievement for McCarthy during a season filled with personal and professional hurdles.

As we count down to the Belmont Stakes, Journalism’s story continues to captivate racing fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re looking to back the favorite or uncover a hidden gem, this year’s race promises to be one of the most compelling in years.

To follow the latest odds and insights and to bet on the Belmont Stakes with expert coverage, visit our racebook today.

 

Score up to $1,500
on your first deposit

50% Welcome Bonus

Join the BUSR Experience. Stream LIVE all major sport leagues, enjoy live in-game moments with live betting, exclusive team props, and season futures. You control your winnings with our new Early Cash-Out option—no need to wait for game endings. Enjoy 24-hour payouts, dive into over 400 casino games, and access to exclusive lines and boosted odds.