Belmont Stakes 2024 contenders after Journalism wins Preakness

Preakness winner Journalism hadn’t even had a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans draped over over him in the winner’s circle at Pimlico Saturday when the focus began to shift toward the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.

For the second straight year the Belmont will be run at 1 ¼-miles, instead of its grueling 1 ½-mile traditional distance, with the race being run at Saratoga during renovations at Belmont Park.

That makes the race more attractive to owners and trainers, along with a $2 million purse and a place in racing history.

Here’s a look at some of the early contenders who could opt to run in the Belmont Stakes on June 7:

Journalism

Trainer: Michael McCarthy

Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

Owners: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert LaPenta

Comes back two weeks after running second behind Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby to win the Preakness with a thrilling late charge. Will be the favorite at post time if his connections opt to run in the Belmont.

Sovereignty

Trainer: Bill Mott

Owner: Godolphin

Jockey: Manny Franco

After winning the Kentucky Derby with a great stretch run, the decision was made not to run back two weeks later in the Preakness, ending any chance of the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018. Won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, and ran second behind Tappan Street in the Grade 2 Florida Derby.

Rodriguez

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Mike Smith

Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, and eight other partners.

A foot issue kept Rodriguez out of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Was shipped East after falling short in a pair of West Coast preps and the change of scenery worked, rolling to a wire-to-wire win in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Baeza

Trainer: John Shirreffs

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Owners: C.R.K. Stable and Grandview Equine.

Closed to finish third in the Kentucky Derby at 13-1, closing well despite being checked at the 5/16^th pole. Ran second behind Journalism, leading in the stretch, in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at 14-1.

Final Gambit

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Luan Machado

Owner: Juddmonte

Rallied from 19^th after six furlongs to finish fourth in the Kentucky Derby at 17-1. Won the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park two races back, rallying from last in a 12-horse field after a bad start to win by 3 ½ lengths.

Grande

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Dylan Davis

Owner: Repole Stable

Scratched by Churchill Downs vets dur to a heel crack the day before the Kentucky Derby, The lightly-raced son of Curlin, with just three career starts, closed to finish second behind Rodriguez in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5.

Hill Road

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Owner: Amo Racing USA

Ran third at 61-1 in first U.S. start at last November’s Breeders’ Cup. Overcame a stumble at the start of the Grad 3 Peter Pan at Aqueduct on May 10, getting up in the final strides.

Cornucopian

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Owner: SF Racing and partners

Son of Into Mischief was purchased for $1.1 million as a yearling, and would take a big step up in class in the final leg of the Triple Crown, having not won beyond the maiden ranks in three career starts. Finished second in an Aqueduct allowance race last time out.