With the memory of his dramatic Preakness Stakes win still fresh, Journalism may soon return to the spotlight with a potential rematch against Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. The $2 million contest, scheduled for June 7, is the centerpiece of a five-day festival packed with high-stakes races and top-tier talent.
Trained by Michael McCarthy and owned by a powerful partnership including Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bridlewood Farm, Journalism displayed immense grit in Baltimore. Despite a narrow escape from a traffic-heavy quarter-pole, the colt recovered rapidly and delivered a thrilling finish that left racegoers breathless. With unwavering determination, he surged past both Sandman and Gosger, covering the 1 3/16-mile distance in just under 1:56 and earning a strong Beyer Speed Figure of 98.
Meanwhile, Sovereignty, who skipped the Preakness to rest, quietly clocked a maintenance breeze at Saratoga, prepping for the Belmont in a more conservative manner. Their first encounter in the Kentucky Derby saw Journalism finish a brave second, suggesting unfinished business between these two outstanding three-year-olds.
Trainer Brendan Walsh remains undecided on Gosger’s Belmont participation, though he acknowledged the colt’s progress and grit in the Preakness. Sandman, who finished third in Baltimore, has already shifted focus to the Grade 2 Jim Dandy in late July, aiming for redemption on familiar ground.
Journalism is now being readied for a potential Belmont return, with the final decision resting on how well he recovers. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Aron Wellman emphasized that while the rivalry with Sovereignty is appealing, the ultimate call will be based on the colt’s condition and trainer McCarthy’s input. The connections remain conscious of the demanding three-week turnaround between the Preakness and Belmont.
If Journalism lines up at Saratoga, he won’t just face Sovereignty again. A deep field is expected, possibly including the likes of Derby third-place finisher Baeza, Peter Pan Stakes winner Hill Road, and Wood Memorial victor Rodriguez. With construction ongoing at Belmont Park, this year’s race will be run at 1 1/4 miles, suiting versatile runners like Journalism.
Beyond the Belmont itself, the festival offers a diverse lineup of races. Candied, who recently triumphed in the Allaire DuPont, may return for the Ogden Phipps Stakes. Classic Q, another promising filly from the Eclipse camp, is being considered for either the Wonder Again Stakes or the Regret Stakes, depending on final decisions by trainer Mark Casse.
On the turf marathon front, Eclipse’s Corruption and The Ginger Wizard are both aiming for the Belmont Gold Cup. The latter, a sibling to last year’s winner The Grey Wizard, will attempt to continue the family legacy over two miles on grass. Warming, another Eclipse runner, could take her shot in the Soaring Softly after a promising but troubled return to racing.
As the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival approaches, anticipation builds not only for the headlining race but also for the broader spectacle of talent and competition. If Journalism does return to the Saratoga stage, it could set up one of the most captivating showdowns in recent memory—a test of heart, class, and redemption.
