Sovereignty Triumphs in 157th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In an exhilarating rematch from the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty showcased his prowess by winning the 157th Belmont Stakes on Saturday at the Saratoga Race Course. The race featured both Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winners, but Sovereignty emerged victorious, marking his second win in the prestigious Triple Crown series.
Trained by Bill Mott, Sovereignty’s victory came after a strategic decision to skip the Preakness. "I think they are three really good horses," Mott remarked, relishing the win. This marks Mott’s second triumph at Belmont, and he expressed pride in winning at what he considers "home." The race was especially significant as renovations are ongoing at the Belmont Park in Long Island.
Junior Alvarado rode Sovereignty, who initially trailed behind the frontrunner, Journalism. Making his move at the top of the stretch, Sovereignty surged ahead to secure victory, finishing in 2:00.69 and leaving Journalism, the second-place finisher, three lengths behind. Journalism had earlier entered the race as the 2-1 favorite, having participated in all three Triple Crown legs.
Despite not pursuing the Triple Crown—a feat last achieved in 2018—Mott and Godolphin’s Michael Banahan emphasized prioritizing Sovereignty’s long-term wellbeing. “What was the right thing for the horse,” they concluded after opting out of the Preakness.
Looking ahead, Mott and the team are eyeing the Travers Stakes in August, a race they hope will be another chance to see Sovereignty compete, and potentially against familiar rival Journalism. "It’s a very important race for a three-year-old like Sovereignty," Mott noted, eager for future challenges as the summer racing season unfolds.
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