Belmont Stakes Contender Profile, Odds: Journalism

In the days leading up to the 157th running of the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, the team at usracing.com is publishing profiles of the 3-year-olds in the field. Profiles will be updated with post positions and track odds following the June 2 draw.

JOURNALISM

Just before the deadline, and after a solid workout at Saratoga, the decision to enter Journalism in the Belmont Stakes (G1) turns the final leg of the Triple Crown into a fitting showdown.

The Preakness Stakes (G1) winner will get another shot at Sovereignty, who out-dueled Journalism in the stretch and won the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3 over a sloppy track.

Journalism has been stabled at Saratoga since his Preakness win on May 17, and his 4-furlong workout in 47.54 seconds on Sunday (June 1) answered all of trainer Michael McCarthy’s questions about whether the Curlin colt was ready for another classic.

“Based off of what I saw here this morning, I’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to enter,” McCarthy said.

Journalism would be the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races. Sovereignty skipped the Preakness.

Regular rider Umberto Rispoli was aboard for the work, calling it “very positive.

“He's a horse that everyone knows is very intelligent, smart -- he does everything right,” Rispoli said. “It looks like he didn't even run two weeks ago. He took his work very well.”

The 1 ¼-mile Belmont could be a tough ask for Journalism, who has run three tough races since April 5 when he won the 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1). He was beaten by 1 ½ lengths in the Derby in a 19-horse field a month later at Churchill Downs, and two weeks later, he won the 1 3/16-mile Preakness Stakes by forcing his way between rivals in the stretch and overtaking Gosger in the final strides.

Belmont Stakes Betting Advice 

Asking too much to run in all three Triple Crown races? He’s battled well every time out and is likely to be there at the end. Win contender.

Contender Information Card  

• Post position: 7  
• Odds: 8-5
• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
• Trainer: Michael McCarthy
• Owners: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith
• Career record: 7-5-1-1
• Career earnings: $2,838,880  
• Last race: Preakness Stakes (G1), May 17, 1st 
• Top Equibase speed figure: 110  
• Pedigree: Curlin-Mopotism, by Uncle Mo
• Color: Bay 
• Running style: Stalker
• Notes: A Preakness-Belmont double has been accomplished 18 times – the last to do it was Afleet Alex in 2005. 2021 Preakness winner Rombauer finished third in the Belmont as McCarthy’s only starter in the race. This will be Rispoli’s first Belmont, three weeks after winning the Preakness in his first attempt. Chief rivals Sovereignty and Baeza, a closing third in the Derby, come into the race with five weeks' rest, while Journalism comes in with three weeks between races.

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.