Overview
- Officials drew gates on June 4, assigning Derby winner Sovereignty to Post 2 and Preakness champion Journalism to Post 7 for Saturday’s 1½-mile race.
- Sovereignty’s connections bypassed the Preakness to rest the colt after the Kentucky Derby, while Journalism has contested all three Triple Crown events, capturing the Preakness after finishing second at Churchill Downs.
- Saratoga Race Course hosts the Belmont Stakes for the second straight year as Belmont Park remains closed for major renovations.
- Trainer Todd Pletcher has called for an overhaul of the Triple Crown’s tight schedule to reduce stress on the horses and ensure long-term health.
- Undefeated filly Good Cheer is set to return in Friday’s Grade 1 Acorn Stakes, marking her first start since winning the Kentucky Oaks.