Sovereignty, the newly crowned Belmont Stakes champion, enjoyed a well-deserved rest after his impressive victory at the Saratoga Race Course. Trainer Bill Mott praised the horse for his toughness and consistent performance, noting that Sovereignty mirrored his earlier success at the Kentucky Derby by defeating the favorite, Journalism, in the final leg of the Triple Crown. Mott expressed relief at the expectations surrounding Sovereignty, highlighting the pressure that comes with such high-stakes racing.
Journalism, who participated in all three Triple Crown races, also took time to recuperate after a win at the Preakness Stakes and two second-place finishes. Trainer Michael McCarthy acknowledged the challenges of competing at this level but expressed satisfaction with Journalism’s performances. He is planning to ship the colt back to California, with future races like the Breeders’ Cup and summer events at Saratoga on the agenda.
As Sovereignty prepares for the summer racing season, he stands out as the top three-year-old colt in the country. Mott is eyeing the Travers Stakes and potentially the Jim Dandy for Sovereignty’s next races, emphasizing the importance of keeping the horse comfortable and well-prepared at Saratoga. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival has concluded, but the Saratoga track will soon host the July 4 Racing Festival, followed by a traditional summer meet starting July 10.
