Race Details
Event: Belmont Gold Cup Stakes (Grade II)
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 4:45 PM ET
Venue: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Distance: 2 miles (Turf)
Purse: $250,000
Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel Racing
Recent Performance:
Sovereignty won the Kentucky Derby, skipping the Preakness to target this race.
Journalism finished second in the Derby but rebounded with a Preakness victory.
Baeza placed third in the Derby, showing strong closing speed.
Top Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree |
| Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | Sired by Into Mischief, out of Stormy Welcome |
| Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | William McCarthy | Sired by Nyquist, out of French Passport |
| Baeza | John Shirreffs | Mike Smith | Sired by Authentic, out of Classic Elegance |
| Rodriguez | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | Sired by Authentic, out of Royal Charm |
| Hill Road | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown | Sired by Quality Road, out of Tampa Bay Belle |
Race Analysis & Prediction
The Belmont Gold Cup Stakes is a premier long-distance turf race, testing stamina and tactical positioning. This year’s field features several Triple Crown contenders, making it one of the most anticipated editions.
Sovereignty enters as the morning-line favorite, having skipped the Preakness to focus on this race. His Into Mischief pedigree suggests elite endurance, and with Junior Alvarado aboard, he’s a strong contender.
Journalism, trained by William McCarthy, has shown explosive late speed and could capitalize if the pace is fast.
Baeza is the wild card, having shown strong closing ability in his last race. If the frontrunners tire, he could surge late.
Best Bets & Predictions
Win Bet: Sovereignty (5-2) – Strong pedigree and top jockey.
Exacta Box: Sovereignty / Journalism – Speed duel potential.
Longshot Play: Baeza (4-1) – Late-running threat.
