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Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty thundered down the stretch at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday to capture the 157-year-old Belmont Stakes, securing the colt’s second jewel of the 2025 Triple Crown and igniting fresh debate about racing’s most elusive sweep. Headline moments • Sovereignty, sent off as the 5-2 favorite, defeated Preakness winner Journalism by three lengths. • Junior Alvarado, 37, claimed his first Belmont victory aboard the Godolphin-owned bay after guiding him to Derby glory five weeks ago. • Trainer Bill Mott skipped the Preakness to keep his colt fresh, a gamble that paid off in front of 50,000 roaring spectators. Why this matters No horse has swept all three American classics since Justify in 2018. With two legs in hand, Sovereignty heads toward summer campaigns as the sport’s brightest star, boosting interest, betting handles and television ratings for a segment that has battled shrinking audiences. Race recap Breaking cleanly from post 6, Sovereignty stalked early pace-setter Archangel through moderate fractions before unleashing a decisive move off the far turn. Journalism, pinned on the rail, found running room late but could not erase the deficit as Sovereignty stopped the clock in 2:27.34 for 1½ miles on a fast track. Baeza completed the Derby’s exact same 1-2-3 finish order. Quotable • “There was a moment in my career when everything felt like it was slipping away. Tonight proves patience pays,” Alvarado told national television crews in an emotional winner’s circle interview. • Mott added, “If we lose, everyone says we ducked a fight; winning makes the plan look brilliant.” What’s next for Sovereignty? 1. Travers Stakes at Saratoga in August – early discussions center on using the “Mid-Summer Derby” as a prep toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic. 2. Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar – a victory would strengthen Sovereignty’s Horse of the Year credentials and cement stud value that industry insiders estimate could top $80 million. Key stats to know • Career record: 6 wins from 8 starts, earnings of $5.6 million. • Bloodline: By champion sire Constitution out of graded-stakes mare Regal Claim, making the colt a coveted future stallion. • Jockey-trainer combo: Alvarado and Mott are winning at a 32 percent clip in graded stakes this season. Industry ripple effects The Belmont triumph is expected to lift stud-fee projections across the Constitution line, buoy ticket sales for Saratoga’s remaining meet, and spike wagering pools for the Travers. Online sportsbooks already list Sovereignty at 3-1 for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, shortest price for a 3-year-old since American Pharoah in 2015. Takeaway Sovereignty’s authoritative Belmont Stakes victory stakes a compelling claim as the best 3-year-old of his generation and injects renewed excitement into U.S. horse racing’s marquee events. Whether the colt can convert summer momentum into year-end dominance now forms the central storyline for racing fans, bettors and bloodstock investors alike.