Saratoga Springs – The Lead-Up to the Belmont Stakes

In the days leading to the Belmont Stakes, journalism has emerged as the focal point of horse racing.

The Preakness Champion stands as the 8-5 favorite for the 157th running of the Triple Crown’s third jewel this Saturday. That’s a bit pricier than the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, who is listed at 2-1.

Like any captivating story, the narrative here is intertwined with some controversy stemming from the Pimlico race on May 17th involving Rockem and Sok M Dash.

When the Field returned home, journalism found itself somewhat boxed in, trailing behind Gosgar, but still managing to stay oriented outside of him.

Each party has their own version of what unfolded next.

As reported by the Paulick Report, it seemed that journalism’s right shoulder made contact with Gosgar’s left hip.

Jockey Umbertolispoli maneuvered journalism through the tight space between the two horses, ultimately watching Gosgar pull ahead. This bumper car-like encounter soon turned journalism into a high-speed chaser.

Trainer Steve Asmussen remarked that Rispoli rode journalism “like a rental mule.” But both Rispoli and trainer Michael McCarthy have a different take on that comment.

“This is horse racing. Sometimes the trip is straightforward, and sometimes you get crowded but manage to recover. It played out,” they noted.

Rispoli expressed, “When I saw Gosgar pull four lengths ahead, it put me in a tough position. [Journalism] did what he needed to do.”

“A courageous effort, both the horses and riders,” McCarthy acknowledged. “What they achieved from pole 16 is remarkable. I read somewhere that Journalism’s stride increased by about two feet in the final stretch, which is quite impressive.”

Looking ahead, Journalism has another opportunity to assert dominance at the Belmont Stakes, set in Saratoga amid a $455 million renovation of Belmont Park.

Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner who skipped the Preakness, is now gearing up at the Saratoga barn for Saturday’s race.

This will mark Journalism’s third race in just 35 days, while Sovereignty has had ample time to rest and train since the Derby.

However, Rispoli doesn’t think it’s a simple two-horse race in what is expected to be an eight-horse field.

“Sure, we’re the ones who won the first two legs, and a rematch is exciting for everyone, but I think Baeza is a contender too,” Rispoli said. He has enjoyed over 600 career wins since moving from Italy to the US in 2020.

Rispoli recognizes the special qualities of Journalism.

“He knows when to get serious and when to relax. It’s a unique horse. Fingers crossed for another Triple Crown victory at Belmont,” the jockey shared.

For McCarthy, who was previously an assistant to Todd Pletcher, the Preakness win marked his second career Triple Crown victory after sending Rombauer to the winner’s circle at the same event in 2021.

While McCarthy’s training base is in California, he mentioned that the weather in upstate New York this week is quite similar to what Journalism is accustomed to.

Yet, this will be Journalism’s first race at Saratoga. On Tuesday morning, McCarthy and his team took Journalism on a stroll from the barn, crossing Union Avenue and enjoying the well-maintained paths leading to the paddock.

“Just giving him something pleasant to experience,” McCarthy said. “Plenty of time here.”

Ultimately, Journalism’s story remains unfinished.