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.
Looking stronger and more aggressive than before he won the Kentucky Derby (G1), Sovereignty is well-rested and ready to add a Belmont Stakes (G1) victory to his glowing resume.
Not only that, by skipping the Preakness Stakes (G1) in favor of five weeks between races, the Into Mischief colt will attempt to continue a trend of sorts: Three of the past four Belmont victors won off five weeks’ rest.
From 2000-2024, 14 horses have won the Belmont off five weeks’ rest, so perhaps there’s a method to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s decision keep his latest star on the sideline for the Preakness.
The Derby winner dismissed 18 rivals in the slop at Churchill Downs on May 3. The Belmont at Saratoga is 1 ¼ miles – the same distance as the Derby – rather than the traditional 1 ½ miles. The Belmont field will be much smaller, and Sovereignty’s closing style would seem to set him up for a strong run to the finish. Plus, there’s rain in the long-range forecast for Belmont Stakes Day, and Sovereignty won the day in the Run for the Roses.
Sovereignty has done just about everything right on the Triple Crown trail. He staged a thrilling rally to edge River Thames by a neck in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), finished second in the Florida Derby (G1) -- gaining on the winner Tappan Street but coming up a little short, and then outdueled Journalism in the Derby.
If Bill Mott says Sovereignty is stronger and more aggressive, we believe him. The horse to beat.
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.
