“I feel the normal pressure of wanting to win and just the pressure of keeping him out of trouble,” said horse trainer Bill Mott on his priorities for the 157th Belmont Stakes. However, while Mott looks to make the most of his return to Saratoga, among his competitors will be Journalism.
In the absence of Sovereignty, Journalism and jockey Umberto Rispoli picked off a thrilling win at the Preakness Stakes. And now, with the third and final leg of the Triple Crown inching closer, the colt’s trainer, Michael McCarthy, is feeling confident ahead of the rematch between the two incredible horses.
In a post by the official Belmont Stakes X account from June 3, McCarthy’s words before the June 7 race have been shared. “I thought the last six or seven weeks here, his energy has been the same throughout. Obviously, Saratoga is very good for horses. He seems reenergized up here,” the trainer said on how Journalism has been getting used to the environment and surroundings of Saratoga Park.
His statements aren’t baseless, either. Journalism arrived at the venue of the Belmont Stakes on May 19 and has since made a number of acquaintances, which we firmly believe has helped him to ease into the iconic racecourse. Obviously, McCarthy is excited to see how things unfold when his star horse takes to the field on the weekend. “I’m looking forward to a wonderful renewal of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday,” the trainer said.
Michael McCarthy, trainer of Journalism: “I thought the last six or seven weeks here, his energy has been the same throughout. Obviously, Saratoga is very good for horses. He seems reenergized up here. I’m looking forward to a wonderful renewal of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.” pic.twitter.com/k8pJV45ilv
— Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 4, 2025
It’s also understandable why Michael feels so pumped up. Over the past few days, Mott has kept sending warning signals to the competition ahead of the Belmont Stakes. Claiming that Sovereignty is looking in his best form, the trainer said yesterday, “He’s improved – as many of these horses have.” Just a week before that, Mott also mentioned that the Derby winner has been more aggressive ever since triumphing at Churchill Downs. Naturally, it’s time Journalism and McCarthy pulled one back.
The story is developing…
The post Amid Sovereignty’s Challenge, Journalism’s Trainer Shares Positive Update on the Horse Ahead of Belmont Stakes appeared first on EssentiallySports.
