Kentucky Derby Top Three Sovereignty, Journalism & Baeza Meet Again in Belmont Stakes

[Wandering Eyes]

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – There may not be a better person to talk to about the highly anticipated rematch between GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) in Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes than longtime Bridlewood Farm General Manager George Isaacs.

Founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton and currently owned by John and Leslie Malone, Bridlewood Farm (their legendary red-and-white silks were worn by Umberto Rispoli for that heart-stopping second leg of Triple Crown) campaigns Journalism in partnership with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, breeder Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 and the Coolmore contingent.

Both Journalism, an $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase, and Godolphin homebred Sovereignty, graduated from the pre-training program at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida, before heading to their trainers, Michael McCarthy and Hall of Famer Bill Mott, respectively.

“Naturally, I hope it's Journalism, but if it can't be Journalism, I hope it's Sovereignty,” Isaacs said.

“Even though it's only been one time, it could potentially be a real rivalry. For horse racing's sake, it would be nice if it unfolds that way and both of these horses stay healthy and can face off many times to come.”

Sovereignty defeated favored Journalism by 1 1/2 lengths in the slop on the first Saturday in May. It was another neck back to the fast-closing Baeza (McKinzie), the half-brother to Classic winners Mage (Good Magic) and Dornoch (Good Magic), in third.

Sovereignty | Sarah Andrew

 

After a stormy Friday afternoon at the Spa, it could be an off track once more with additional rain in the forecast for Saturday.

The last time the top three finishers of the Kentucky Derby all lined up in the Belmont Stakes was 2013. Kentucky Derby winner Orb finished third, runner-up Golden Soul was ninth and third-place finisher Revolutionary was fifth.

“It's great for horse racing,” Isaacs said. “We know they're both very nice horses and I don't think we can overlook Baeza, either. Those three horses are the best three in the crop. I think it's a race between those three.”

The field of eight also includes the Bob Baffert-trained likely pacesetter and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic), a wire-to-wire winner of the GII Wood Memorial S. at Aqueduct last out Apr. 5. A quarter crack kept him out of the first two legs of the Triple Crown.

“We have the best 3-year-olds in the country running together,” Baffert said. “It will be exciting. I have a lot of respect for Journalism and Sovereignty and Baeza. I think (Rodriguez) fits with them.”

Baffert continued, “I have been watching Journalism all winter, chasing him all winter. He just keeps getting better and better and better. I think he is the horse to beat.”

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is being held at Saratoga Race Course for the second straight year while construction of the new Belmont Park continues downstate. Due to the configuration of Saratoga's main track, the Belmont Stakes will once again be contested at 1 1/4 miles rather than the traditional distance of 1 1/2 miles.

Saturday's blockbuster program features five Grade I events, including the Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (Dirt Mile) and GI Jaipur S. (Turf Sprint).

A fantastic field of five will meet for the stallion-making Met Mile, led by Breeders' Cup winners 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) and White Abarrio (Race Day). Click here for in-depth pedigree profiles for the complete field.

The Jaipur has attracted 10 turf sprinters, led by 6-5 morning-line favorite Think Big (Twirling Candy), a winner of three straight, including the GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. on Kentucky Derby Day.

In addition to the main event, 3-year-olds will also be in the spotlight in the seven-furlong GI Woody Stephens S., led by the turning-back two-time Grade I winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) and last year's champion 2-year-old colt Citizen Bull (Into Mischief).

Chancer McPatrick | Sarah Andrew

Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro) will be favored in the GI Manhattan S. following top-shelf wins in this term's GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. and GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard. The late Christophe Clement won the Manhattan three times and his son Miguel will continue his magnificent legacy by saddling a trio for the stable, led by MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel).

The 14-race program also includes: the GII Wonder Again S., topped by the talented Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro); the GIII True North S., featuring a showdown between GISWs Book'em Danno (Bucchero), Mullikin (Violence) and Nakatomi (Firing Line); and the GIII Pennine Ridge S., led by GI American Turf S. winner Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}).

Television coverage of Belmont Stakes Day will air across the FOX Sports family of networks beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET.

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