Preakness winner Journalism hadn’t even had a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans draped over over him in the winner’s circle at Pimlico Saturday when the focus began to shift toward the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.
For the second straight year the Belmont will be run at 1 ¼-miles, instead of its grueling 1 ½-mile traditional distance, with the race being run at Saratoga during renovations at Belmont Park.
That makes the race more attractive to owners and trainers, along with a $2 million purse and a place in racing history.
Here’s a look at some of the early contenders who could opt to run in the Belmont Stakes on June 7:
Journalism
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
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Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Owners: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert LaPenta
Comes back two weeks after running second behind Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby to win the Preakness with a thrilling late charge. Will be the favorite at post time if his connections opt to run in the Belmont.
Sovereignty
Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: Godolphin
Jockey: Manny Franco
After winning the Kentucky Derby with a great stretch run, the decision was made not to run back two weeks later in the Preakness, ending any chance of the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018. Won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, and ran second behind Tappan Street in the Grade 2 Florida Derby.
Rodriguez
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Mike Smith
Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, and eight other partners.
A foot issue kept Rodriguez out of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Was shipped East after falling short in a pair of West Coast preps and the change of scenery worked, rolling to a wire-to-wire win in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
Baeza
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Owners: C.R.K. Stable and Grandview Equine.
Closed to finish third in the Kentucky Derby at 13-1, closing well despite being checked at the 5/16th pole. Ran second behind Journalism, leading in the stretch, in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at 14-1.
Final Gambit
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Owner: Juddmonte
Rallied from 19th after six furlongs to finish fourth in the Kentucky Derby at 17-1. Won the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park two races back, rallying from last in a 12-horse field after a bad start to win by 3 ½ lengths.
Grande
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Dylan Davis
Owner: Repole Stable
Scratched by Churchill Downs vets dur to a heel crack the day before the Kentucky Derby, The lightly-raced son of Curlin, with just three career starts, closed to finish second behind Rodriguez in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5.
Hill Road
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Owner: Amo Racing USA
Ran third at 61-1 in first U.S. start at last November’s Breeders’ Cup. Overcame a stumble at the start of the Grad 3 Peter Pan at Aqueduct on May 10, getting up in the final strides.
Cornucopian
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Owner: SF Racing and partners
Son of Into Mischief was purchased for $1.1 million as a yearling, and would take a big step up in class in the final leg of the Triple Crown, having not won beyond the maiden ranks in three career starts. Finished second in an Aqueduct allowance race last time out.
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