Sovereignty, Journalism, Baeza are 'Top Tier' in Crop of Belmont Stakes Horses

The 2025 Belmont Stakes, the gripping finale of the Triple Crown, takes to Saratoga Race Course this Saturday. With a fresh venue this year due to renovations at Belmont Park, the race will unfold over 1 ¼ miles rather than its traditional distance of 1 ½ miles.

All eyes are on the formidable trio of this year’s favorites: Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty, Preakness winner Journalism, and Derby’s third-place Baeza. These horses stand as the powerhouses of this year's racing season.

Here are the current odds for the 2025 Belmont Stakes:

Hill Road: 10/1
Sovereignty: 2/1
Rodriguez: 6/1
Uncaged: 30/1
Crudo: 15/1
Baeza: 4/1
Journalism: 8/5
Heart of Honor: 30/1

Handicapper Colin Sheehan from Trust the Prophets is riding high this season, having correctly backed Sovereignty at the Derby and Journalism at the Preakness. He firmly believes in the prominence of Sovereignty, Journalism, and Baeza, calling them the undisputed leaders of this year's crop.

“The Derby and Preakness validated the hierarchy of talent this season,” Sheehan commented. Despite the lure of a Triple Crown, Sheehan finds merit in Sovereignty's strategic bypass of the Preakness, banked on its earlier success and flawless performance with Junior Alvarado.

Not to be overlooked, Florida's sharp handicapper Kirk Rockwell sets his sights on speed with the likes of Rodriguez, highlighting the shorter race distance and how speed has been crucial on Saratoga’s resilient track.

“Rodriguez could pace ahead and keep it tight,” Rockwell predicts, urging bettors to consider the strategic pivot in their wagering.

With expert analysis poured over every detail, here’s the betting lineup for Saturday’s race: