2025 Belmont Stakes Early Predictions Following Preakness

Journalism emerged victorious in the second leg of the Triple Crown, winning the 2025 Preakness Stakes with a late surge past Gosger.

Journalism fell behind entering the final curve but was able to chase down Gosger over the final stretch to claim what once looked like an improbable victory.

The Kentucky Derby runner-up should also be considered a top contender to win the Belmont Stakes on June 7.

Another will be the horse that Journalism couldn't beat out at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty. The three-year-old colt didn't participate in the Preakness Stakes, with trainer Bill Mott explaining that the extra time off would be beneficial for the horse.

“Over the years, people have realized that spacing these horses out a little bit gives you the opportunity to make them last a little longer,” Mott said, per Jason Frakes of the Louisville Courier Journal. “We’re looking at a career, and you want the career to last more than five weeks.”

While the exact field of horses set to compete in the Belmont Stakes isn't completely certain given the turnaround from Saturday's Preakness Stakes, there are multiple other top finishers from the Derby that could be a threat to win at Saratoga Race Course.

Baeza wrapped up a No. 3 finish in the Kentucky Derby and was also a runner-up behind Journalism at the Santa Anita Derby. The horse didn't run in the Preakness, but should still be a contender at Belmont.

Final Gambit, coming off a No. 4 final spot in the Derby with a late rally, is a possible contender at the Belmont Stakes despite skipping Saturday's action as well.