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Home / Belmont Stakes / Journalism, Grande, Curlin, Rags to Riches, and the Belmont Stakes

Journalism, Grande, Curlin, Rags to Riches, and the Belmont Stakes

Belmont Stakes 2025, Saturday, June 7 at Saratoga Race Course Canva

The Belmont Stakes, often called the “Test of the Champion,” is a grueling 1.5-mile race that demands stamina, tactical speed, and resilience. In 2007, the race produced a historic moment when the filly Rags to Riches outdueled Curlin to become the first filly to win the Belmont in over a century. As we look ahead to the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course, two of Curlin’s sons, Journalism and Grande, are listed as probable starters. This article examines Curlin’s 2007 Belmont loss and analyzes how the pedigrees of Journalism and Grande might influence their chances of succeeding where their sire fell short.

Curlin’s 2007 Belmont Stakes: A Battle for the Ages

In 2007, Curlin entered the Belmont Stakes as the even-money favorite, fresh off a dramatic Preakness Stakes victory over Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Robby Albarado, Curlin faced a formidable field, including the Kentucky Oaks winner Rags to Riches, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez. Rags to Riches, a daughter of A.P. Indy, stumbled at the start but recovered to race wide, conserving energy for the final stretch. Curlin, positioned inside, made a bold move on the backstretch but struggled to find clear running room until the final turn.

As the field turned for home, Rags to Riches surged wide, while Curlin weaved through traffic to challenge. The two horses engaged in a thrilling stretch duel, racing saddlecloth to saddlecloth for the final quarter-mile. Rags to Riches prevailed by a head, finishing the 1.5 miles in 2:28.74, marking a historic victory as only the third filly to win the Belmont, following Ruthless (1867) and Tanya (1905). Curlin’s effort was valiant, but his defeat highlighted the Belmont’s unique challenges: its marathon distance favors horses with exceptional stamina, and tactical positioning can make or break a contender. Rags to Riches’ pedigree, anchored by A.P. Indy and Seattle Slew, gave her the endurance to outlast Curlin, whose late charge fell just short.

Curlin went on to become a two-time Horse of the Year, winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic and other Grade 1 races, proving his loss to Rags to Riches was no fluke but a testament to the Belmont’s demanding nature. Now, his sons Journalism and Grande carry his legacy into the 2025 Belmont Stakes. Can their pedigrees help them overcome the historical precedent set by their sire’s defeat?

Journalism’s Pedigree and Belmont Prospects

Journalism, trained by Mike McCarthy, has emerged as a leading contender for the 2025 Belmont Stakes after winning the Preakness Stakes and the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. His pedigree is a blend of stamina and class, sired by Curlin out of Mopotism, a Grade 2-winning mare by Uncle Mo. Curlin, by Smart Strike out of Sherriff’s Deputy (by Deputy Minister), brings proven staying power, having sired Belmont winner Palace Malice (2013) and Preakness winner Exaggerator (2016). Journalism’s damsire, Uncle Mo, is a young broodmare sire whose daughters have produced stakes winners up to 1 1/8 miles, with potential for longer distances, as evidenced by Uncle Mo’s son Nyquist winning the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Mopotism’s second damsire, Bernardini (by A.P. Indy), adds further classic-distance influence, as Bernardini sired Grade 1 winners capable of excelling at 1 1/4 miles and beyond.

Journalism’s pedigree suggests he is well-suited to the Belmont’s 1.5-mile distance. Curlin’s progeny often inherit his stamina, and Journalism’s Preakness victory demonstrated his ability to close strongly, overcoming traffic to win by 1 3/4 lengths. However, his debut at Santa Anita showed a dislike for kickback, which could be a concern at Saratoga, where tight turns and a deep stretch might challenge his positioning. Like his sire in 2007, Journalism will need to navigate traffic and conserve energy early to mount a late charge. His pedigree gives him a strong chance to handle the distance, but his success may hinge on avoiding the tactical errors that cost Curlin against Rags to Riches.

Grande’s Pedigree and Belmont Outlook

Grande, another probable starter, was scratched from the 2025 Kentucky Derby due to a foot bruise but remains a contender for the Belmont. Trained by a top stable, Grande is sired by Curlin out of a mare by Tapit, a leading sire known for producing four Belmont winners, including Tonalist (2014) and Tapwrit (2017). Tapit’s influence, combined with Curlin’s stamina, creates a pedigree tailored for classic distances. Grande’s dam line also includes Unbridled, the 1990 Kentucky Derby winner, reinforcing his suitability for the 1.5-mile test. This cross of Curlin over a Tapit mare mirrors successful patterns seen in other Curlin progeny, such as Vino Rosso, who won the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Grande’s limited racing resume makes his Belmont prospects harder to gauge. While his pedigree screams stamina, his scratch from the Kentucky Derby raises questions about his durability. If he can return to peak form, his lineage suggests he could stay the Belmont distance and handle Saratoga’s unique track configuration. However, like Curlin in 2007, Grande may face challenges if he gets caught in traffic or expends too much energy early. His connections will need to strategize carefully to avoid the fate of his sire, who was outmaneuvered by Rags to Riches’ wide, sustained run.

Comparing Curlin’s Loss to 2025 Dynamics

Curlin’s 2007 Belmont loss offers lessons for Journalism and Grande. Rags to Riches’ victory was a triumph of pedigree and tactics: her A.P. Indy lineage provided the stamina to endure 1.5 miles, and her wide trip allowed her to avoid traffic and maintain momentum. Curlin, despite his brilliance, was compromised by a lack of running room and a late surge that fell just short. For Journalism and Grande, the 2025 Belmont at Saratoga—run at 1 1/4 miles due to the track’s configuration—may alter the dynamics slightly, but stamina remains critical. Both horses inherit Curlin’s staying power, but their ability to secure a clean trip will be paramount.

Journalism’s closing style, seen in his Preakness win, aligns with Curlin’s late-running approach, but he must avoid kickback and early crowding. Grande’s potential as a stalker could give him an edge in securing a better position, but his fitness post-injury is a question mark. The 2025 field, potentially including Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, adds complexity, as does the shorter distance at Saratoga, which may favor horses with tactical speed over pure closers like Curlin in 2007.

Conclusion

The 2007 Belmont Stakes showcased Curlin’s heart but exposed the fine margins of the “Test of the Champion.” Journalism and Grande, as Curlin’s sons, carry pedigrees that equip them for the 2025 Belmont’s demands, with Journalism’s proven form giving him a slight edge over Grande’s untested potential. Their success will depend on leveraging their stamina while avoiding the tactical pitfalls that cost their sire 18 years ago. As the 157th Belmont Stakes approaches, fans and bettors will watch closely to see if Curlin’s legacy can finally claim the Triple Crown’s final jewel.

Note: Pedigree and race data compiled from public racing records and industry sources.