2025 Belmont Stakes: Which horses are bred to handle the distance?

For the second straight year, the $2 million Belmont (G1) is taking place over 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga, a quarter-mile shorter than its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance at Belmont Park.

The shorter distance could impact the outcome of the Triple Crown’s third leg. Some of the entrants in the 2025 Belmont field have pedigrees suited for 1 1/4 miles, but not necessarily 1 1/2 miles.

Let’s rank how well the eight entrants are bred to handle 1 1/4 miles:

1. Journalism

Preakness (G1) winner and Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism is a son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, a renowned source of classic stamina in pedigrees. His dam is Mopotism, winner of the 1 1/16-mile La Canada (G2) and a daughter of champion Uncle Mo, who has sired Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and Belmont winner Mo Donegal. Journalism is bred to relish 1 1/4 miles and would surely have handled 1 1/2 miles too.

Pedigree profile: Journalism

2. Uncaged

Another son of Curlin, Uncaged was produced by 1 1/16-mile Delaware Oaks (G3) winner Dark Nile, a daughter of Kentucky Derby runner-up Pioneerof the Nile. The latter is the sire of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, so distances from 1 1/4 miles to 1 1/2 miles are bound to be Uncaged’s strong suit.

Pedigree profile: Uncaged

3. Baeza

Baeza’s sire, McKinzie, placed second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and Santa Anita H. (G1) racing 1 1/4 miles. His dam, Puca, has previously foaled Kentucky Derby winner Mage and last year’s Belmont hero Dornoch. While 1 1/2 miles might be a little farther than ideal for Baeza, 1 1/4 miles should be right up his alley.

Pedigree profile: Baeza

4. Crudo

As a son of Triple Crown winner Justify (a source of stamina at stud) out of Blossomed (a daughter of acclaimed sire and stamina influence Deputy Minister), Crudo has the pedigree to shine over 1 1/4 miles and might have even preferred a 1 1/2-mile journey.

Pedigree profile: Crudo

5. Sovereignty

Sovereignty proved he can handle 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby, becoming the third son of perennial leading sire Into Mischief to win the roses. However, Into Mischief sires sprinters and milers more often than classic types. Sovereignty’s dam sire is Bernardini, a champion who won the Preakness, so that adds some stamina to the mix. But 1 1/4 miles is likely the upper limit of Sovereignty’s distance capabilities, and tackling 1 1/2 miles could have proven challenging.

Pedigree profile: Sovereignty

6. Rodriguez

Since Rodriguez is the son of Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Authentic, whose foals are winning at a lofty average winning distance of 7.5 furlongs, it’s possible he’ll handle 1 1/4 miles without issue. But the dam side of Rodriguez’s pedigree is slanted more toward speed, and 1 1/2 miles would have been a question mark.

Pedigree profile: Rodriguez

7. Hill Road

Peter Pan (G3) winner Hill Road is a son of Quality Road, who has sired Preakness winner National Treasure, plus a few notable winners over 1 1/4 miles. Hill Road’s dam sire is Lemon Drop Kid, winner of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont and a couple of major 1 1/4-mile prizes. But there are also some speed influences in this pedigree cross, so 1 1/4 miles might be the limit of how far Hill Road wants to run.

Pedigree profile: Hill Road

8. Heart of Honor

Heart of Honor is a son of Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Honor A. P. out of the Chilean-bred turf miler Ruby Love, a daughter of Scat Daddy. The latter stallion sired Triple Crown winner Justify. Racing 1 1/4 miles is quite possibly within reach for Heart of Honor, though it’s not a given, and negotiating 1 1/2 miles could have been tricky.

Pedigree profile: Heart of Honor

Join us on June 7 for a rematch that will shake the stands. Many top Kentucky Derby contenders return for the Belmont S. (G1) to fight for the finish, including probable contender Journalism, winner of Preakness 150, and Sovereignty, winner of Derby 151. Who will stand in the winner's circle for Belmont?

Stay with us throughout Belmont Day during stakes races as we bring you the latest horse racing news, live odds, expert picks, and more. It is sure to be an exciting day of racing!

Also, come chat with our expert panel regarding Friday and Saturday racing during Saratoga's Friday card, including the Acorn Stakes!