Get to know the 2025 Belmont Stakes contenders
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The field rounds the clubhouse turn in the 2024 Belmont S. (G1) at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
For the second straight year, the Belmont (G1) will be staged over 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga, the classic’s “home away from home” as Belmont Park’s redevelopment continues.
Kentucky Derby (G1) star Sovereignty deliberately bypassed the Preakness (G1) to freshen up for the Belmont, eliminating the possibility of a Triple Crown bid. Yet the third jewel could offer a must-see rematch with Journalism, the Derby runner-up who rallied to win the Preakness despite a fracas at the top of the stretch. Journalism’s connections will assess his condition before committing.
Baeza, a half-brother to 2023 Derby hero Mage, was unable to emulate him when third in this year’s Run for the Roses. But he’ll try to echo another half-brother, Dornoch, who rebounded from a worse loss in the 2024 Derby to upset the Belmont.
Classic newcomers include Hill Road, who arrives in top form after capturing New York’s prep, the Peter Pan (G3), and Derby scratch Rodriguez.
The possible field for the June 7 “Test of the Champion” will be in flux until the entry deadline of June 1. The Belmont draw will take place on June 2, the Monday of Belmont Stakes Racing Festival Week.
Here’s the list of 2025 Belmont candidates so far:
Sovereignty upsets Journalism in the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (Photos by Coady Media)
Sovereignty
A historic first Kentucky Derby winner for Godolphin, the blueblood opted to await the Belmont and settled into Saratoga early to prepare.
Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: Bill Mott; Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Pedigree: Into Mischief-Crowned, by Bernardini
Journalism uncorks a dramatic rally in the Preakness (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Journalism
The favorite in the first two jewels, the Derby runner-up made a spectacular recovery from trouble to snatch victory in the Preakness.
Owners: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith
Trainer: Michael McCarthy; Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Pedigree: Curlin-Mopotism, by Uncle Mo
Baeza shown training for the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Baeza
The half-brother to Mage and Dornoch has twice finished close to Journalism, most recently when a fast-finishing third in the Derby.
Owner: C R K Stables
Trainer: John Shirreffs; Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: McKinzie-Puca, by Big Brown
Hill Road swept from well off the pace in the Peter Pan (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
Hill Road
Peter Pan (G3) hero would probably have made the Derby if he hadn’t been forced to miss the Wood Memorial (G2) with a fever.
Owner: AMO Racing USA
Trainer: Chad Brown; Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: Quality Road-Exotic Notion, by Lemon Drop Kid
Rodriguez training for the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Rodriguez
Wood Memorial star was scratched from the Derby with a bruised foot and not quite ready in time for the Preakness.
Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan
Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Mike Smith
Pedigree: Authentic-Cayala, by Cherokee Run
Heart of Honor at Pimlico (Photo by MJC/Jerry Dzierwinski)
Heart of Honor
British shipper churned on for fifth in the Preakness after fluffing the start.
Owner: Jim and Claire Limited
Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Pedigree: Honor A. P.-Ruby Love, by Scat Daddy
Uncaged breaking his maiden at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
Uncaged
Peter Pan sixth has emerged as an 11th-hour candidate.
Owners: WinStar Farm & Repole Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: Curlin-Dark Nile, by Pioneerof the Nile
Crudo dominated his stakes and two-turn debut in the Sir Barton S. (Photo by Maryland Jockey Club)
Crudo
Sir Barton S. romper is another seeking to try his luck at the top level.
Owners: Bobby Flay & James Ventura
Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: Justify-Blossomed, by Deputy Minister
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