Sovereignty lays down law with superb G1 Belmont Stakes win

Sovereignty consolidated his position as the best three-year-old colt in North America with a convincing victory over Journalism in the G1 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday.

- Associated Press

A length and a half had separated the duo in last month’s GI Kentucky Derby, in which Sovereignty unleashed a powerful stretch run on a wet track to provide Godolphin with a first success in the Run for the Roses.

Encountering a faster surface this time, Sovereignty broke well and disputed a close third on the inside of Uncaged initially, with Journalism recovering from an early stumble to join the pair rounding the first term.

Rodriguez and Crudo established a two-length lead over the field before Journalism and Sovereignty took slightly closer order down the back as the two looked to keep close tabs on each other.

Preakness Stakes winner Journalism cruised up on the outside of the front two turning in, with Junior Alvarado switching Sovereignty out to track his rival through at the top of the straight.

Journalism took up the running from Rodriguez a furlong and a half out but could not repel the challenge of Sovereignty, who stormed into the lead just inside the final furlong before surging clear.