Gosger to Skip 2025 Belmont Stakes, New Contenders Emerge

Saratoga Springs, NY – The field for the 157th Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course, is taking shape, but a key contender will be absent. According to industry reports, Preakness Stakes runner-up Gosger will not compete in the final leg of the Triple Crown, with his connections targeting alternative summer races. Meanwhile, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has identified additional potential starters, including Crudo and Final Gambit, adding intrigue to a race already headlined by Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness victor Journalism.

Gosger’s Belmont Absence

Gosger, a Nyquist colt trained by Brendan Walsh for Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables, turned heads in the Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course. The lightly raced colt, making just his fourth career start, set a blistering pace, opening a five-length lead in the stretch before being overtaken by Journalism’s late charge, finishing second in a time of 1:55.47. Following his strong showing, expectations were high for Gosger’s participation in the Belmont, especially given the 1 1/4-mile distance at Saratoga, which aligns with his stamina-oriented pedigree.

However, recent reports indicate that Walsh and Gosger’s owners have opted to bypass the Belmont, scheduled just three weeks after the Preakness, to give the colt additional time to recover and develop. Instead, Gosger is being pointed toward major summer races, with the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 19 or the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 26 as likely targets. These races, offering $1 million and $500,000 purses respectively, could serve as stepping stones to the prestigious Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 23. Walsh’s decision reflects a strategic approach to Gosger’s campaign, prioritizing the colt’s long-term potential after his rapid rise from a maiden win in January to a Grade 3 Lexington Stakes victory and a near-miss in the Preakness.

Updated Belmont Stakes Field

With Gosger’s withdrawal, the Belmont Stakes field is projected to include six to eight horses, headlined by a much-anticipated rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism. Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, dominated the Kentucky Derby on a sloppy Churchill Downs track, surging past Journalism to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Opting to skip the Preakness, Sovereignty enters the Belmont well-rested, with his Into Mischief and Crowned pedigree suited for the 1 1/4-mile distance. Journalism, under trainer Michael McCarthy, overcame a contentious bumping incident with Goal Oriented in the Preakness to rally from five lengths back, showcasing the Curlin colt’s grit and closing ability. While McCarthy has not confirmed Journalism’s Belmont participation, his Preakness performance makes him a top contender if he runs.

The NYRA has listed additional possible starters, including Crudo and Final Gambit, alongside previously mentioned contenders like Baeza, Rodriguez, Hill Road, and Heart of Honor. Crudo, a lesser-known prospect, has not competed in Triple Crown races but caught attention with a recent allowance win at Aqueduct, suggesting potential for the Belmont’s distance. Final Gambit, trained by Brad Cox, finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby after winning the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks but skipped the Preakness. His connections are reportedly considering the Belmont, though the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 8 is also an option. Baeza, third in the Kentucky Derby, benefits from a rest advantage and a stamina-laden pedigree (McKinzie x Puca), making him a strong candidate to challenge the favorites. Rodriguez, the Wood Memorial winner trained by Bob Baffert, returns after missing the Derby and Preakness due to a foot issue, while Hill Road, fresh off a Peter Pan Stakes victory, and Heart of Honor, fifth in the Preakness, round out the likely field.

Race Implications

Gosger’s absence narrows the Belmont field but elevates the focus on the Sovereignty-Journalism rivalry, with Baeza looming as a potential upsetter. The 1 1/4-mile distance, a change from the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to Saratoga’s track configuration, favors horses with tactical speed and stamina, potentially benefiting rested runners like Sovereignty and Baeza. Crudo and Final Gambit add depth, though their ability to compete with the top tier remains untested in Grade 1 company. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, running June 4-8 with 27 stakes races and $11.275 million in purses, underscores the event’s significance as a capstone to the Triple Crown and a launchpad for summer racing.

As entries finalize, horseplayers and fans will watch closely for confirmation of Journalism’s participation and the emergence of dark horses like Crudo. The Free PPs provides links to where to find free past performances and analysis as the June 7 race approaches, offering bettors critical insights into this competitive field.

Sources:

• Daily Racing Form, May 21, 2025
• New York Racing Association, May 18, 2025
• Expert analysis from The Free PPs contributor with 50 years of handicapping experience

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