Belmont Stakes Selections

Bob Hill, TSV Staff Writer
Saratoga, NY —-

The Triple Crown saga is nearing its end for the 2025 thoroughbred season. This year, despite the fact that there will not be a Triple Crown on the line in the Belmont Stakes, we are being treated to the next best thing. The top three-year-colts in this crop have survived to this point where they can square off against each other in a championship race with plenty on the line.

Prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby it was my opinion that Journalism (7) and Sovereignty (2) were the two best members of this class. I was also thrilled when Baeza (6) drew into the Derby, believing that he was the third best of the lot with enormous upside potential going forward. I did not like the chances of Rodriguez’s (3) winning the Derby because of the number of speed horses entered, but I did see him as the best of that bunch. His win in the Wood Memorial was certainly among the best Derby prep race efforts. Now five weeks later we come to the Belmont with all four of them primed to go in a race shortened from 12 furlongs to 10 – the same distance as the Derby.

It is my opinion now that Journalism is the best horse in this very talented quartet. It is obvious that his trainer, Michael McCarthy, prepared him for the rigors of the Triple Crown. He may not win on Saturday, but the rivalry that is germinating here should entertain us for the remainder of 2025. Baeza very well could be at the threshold of his lifetime best race, in which case he could beat this field. I fear that the time off is now a minus rather than a plus for Rodriguez, but his connections make him impossible to ignore. Now that Sovereignty’s owner has won his Derby, we may go on to find out what a remarkable horse he will become, making all of this speculation seem silly after the race is run.

Hill Road (1) is a typical Chad Brown turf to dirt convert. He won the G3 Peter Pan prepping for this. He’ll have to improve, but he his a hit-the-board late closer. Uncaged (4) is in the race so Mike Repole can be a part of it. Fine by me. Crudo (5) is the more seriously intended Todd Pletcher entry. At the very least he provides competition for Rodriguez on setting the pace. His sire is a Triple Crown winner, so he could surprise at nice odds. Heart of Honor (8) did not threaten in the Preakness, and there are many who think he’s a ticket to the ball for his trainer and connections.

Journalism is my top pick. Baeza is my second choice, followed by Sovereignty. That leaves Rodriguez and Crudo to compete for the leftovers along with Hill Road.

I’m thrilled to be attending my first ever Belmont Stakes. Here’s to hoping it becomes a TSV tradition.

Selections: 7-6-2-3-1