SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In a thrilling Kentucky Derby rematch, Sovereignty surpassed Journalism on Saturday to claim victory in the 157th Belmont Stakes, marking the second time this event was held at Saratoga.

With Junior Alvarado as the jockey, Sovereignty navigated the field of eight competitors on a fast Saratoga track. This came after morning and early afternoon rains had dried up prior to the race.

The 5-2 second favorite won in 2 minutes, 0.69 seconds, beating Preakness Stakes winner Journalism by three lengths.

Journalism ended up in second again and Baeza was third — the same 1-2-3 as the Kentucky Derby.

Journalism entered the gate at the Belmont as the 2-1 favorite, with Baeza the third favorite at 7-2.

Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, had already shown prowess earlier in the Triple Crown series by clinching the Derby in early May, where he also narrowly defeated Journalism.

After the Derby win, the Godolphin-owned 3-year-old opted out of the Preakness to focus on the Belmont, forfeiting a shot at history to win the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown hasn’t been won since 2018, when Bob Baffert’s Justify won the 105th Belmont Stakes to secure the third jewel.

Journalism was the only horse to run in all three legs, winning the Preakness.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.