Sovereignty wins the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., June 7, 2025.

It may not match Alydar vs. Affirmed in terms of racing's greatest all-time rivalries. But what happened June 7th in the 157th Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga finally brought a large dose of excitement back to the final leg of the Triple Crown.

On a 2025 Belmont Stakes day that NYRA made some tough decisions to ensure as safe a day as possible, that first responsibility took precedence over any economic indicators but the 12-race card did still manage to surpass $100 million in handle.

The public's attention was on Sovereignty after he ran down Journalism to capture the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. But Aron Wellman—president and founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, one of Journalism's owners—had eyes on his horse.

Belmont Notebook: Godolphin can never be accused of not stopping to smell the roses, and now the white carnations; and starter Scott Jordan makes some Triple Crown history.

In a stretch run reminiscent of the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), Sovereignty charged past Journalism to win the Belmont Stakes (G1), with Baeza rounding out the trifecta June 7 at Saratoga Race Course.

Two grade 1 turf races scheduled for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard have been postponed to June 8 after the turf courses were inundated by rain the past two days.

Belmont Stakes day has begun with a rainy morning at Saratoga Race Course.

The $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) landed the matchup it coveted with Sovereignty and Journalism squaring off. But will the showdown between Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winners be contested on a level playing field?

Trainer Michael McCarthy, who will saddle Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1), still remembers the culture shock of the early days of training on his own after those heady years working for Todd Pletcher.

With $1,952,121 bet through 10:25 a.m. ET on June 7, Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism is heavily favored in early wagering to win the Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

With $322,358 bet through 11:25 a.m. ET on June 6, Journalism is favored in early wagering to win the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

The Road: sponsored by Gainesway and Darby Dan Farm

Top horses most assuredly are still being trained in California, especially when it comes to classic-type dirt horses.

Meg McWilliam, a senior architect with Populous, talks with BloodHorse bloodstock editor Eric Mitchell about the redevelopment of Belmont Park. In Part 3 of a three part series, she talks her favorite three aspects of the new Belmont Park.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert believes pace will be a determining factor in the chances for his trainee, Rodriguez, in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

Like a human's comfort food, a healthy snack has helped Baeza feel right at home during his preparations for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

Todd Pletcher is no stranger to running a 3-year-old in the Belmont Stakes (G1). But this 157th edition of "The Test of the Champion" is not the typical experience for Pletcher.

Meg McWilliam, a senior architect at Populous, talked with BloodHorse bloodstock editor Eric Mitchell about the redevelopment of Belmont Park. In Part 2, she discusses making the excitement of racing accessible to fans at all price levels.

No connections are going to celebrate a championship in early June, but the results of big races on the Belmont Stakes weekend cards certainly can put horses in the driver's seat for the second half of the year.