Journalism Favored in Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Amid Track Renovations

The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes is set for June 7 at Saratoga Race Course, where the race distance has been shortened to 1¼ miles due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. Preakness winner Journalism is the early favorite at 8-5 odds to win, facing off against Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, who is the second favorite at 2-1, along with other contenders like Baeza and Rodriguez. This year's Belmont will not produce a Triple Crown winner, as Sovereignty skipped the Preakness, but Journalism remains the only horse competing in all three Triple Crown races. The change in distance from the traditional 1½ miles has sparked debate, though historical records show several past Belmonts have been run at varying lengths. Journalism's trainer, Michael McCarthy, is confident in the horse's consistent performance and readiness to overcome past race challenges. Despite the absence of a Triple Crown on the line, the field promises a competitive race with multiple horses capable of victory.