Attention turns to Saratoga Race Course in New York as the prestigious Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the American Triple Crown, prepares for an exciting showdown.

Sovereignty, the recent Kentucky Derby champion representing Godolphin, is set to compete against strong rivals Journalism and Piza.

The race covers a distance of 1.5 miles (approximately 2000 meters) and holds Grade I status.

Sovereignty triumphed over Journalism by a margin of one and a half lengths in the first leg of the Triple Crown, showcasing a stellar performance with a strong finishing surge.

This victory marked Godolphin's first win in the Kentucky Derby, with Piza completing the race in third place, edging out Journalism by a mere head.

Interestingly, neither Sovereignty nor Piza participated in the Preakness Stakes, held two weeks later at Pimlico, which was won by Journalism in a dramatic fashion despite significant racing obstacles.

Sovereignty, a progeny of Into Mischief, displayed his potential for Triple Crown success during earlier stages of his career, defeating competitors by five lengths in the Street Sense Stakes, a Grade III race.

In preparation for the Kentucky Derby, he engaged in two preparatory races at Gulfstream Park, securing a notable victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, a Grade II, before finishing second in the Florida Derby, a Grade I.

Michael Banahan, the head of horse production at Godolphin America, confirmed that Sovereignty is in excellent condition heading into the Belmont Stakes after completing a vigorous training session last week.

He notes that the competition remains fierce, as the top three finishers from the Derby are all in good form.

Expectations are high, with confidence in Sovereignty's ability to replicate or even improve upon his Kentucky Derby performance.

In the same racing card, Godolphin's Think Big, under trainer Michael Stidham, aims for his first Grade I victory in the Jaipur Stakes, running over six furlongs (1100 meters).

The horse remains undefeated in four starts on turf and enters this race following two strong wins in Grade II events, namely the Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint.

Michael Banahan praised Think Big’s training ahead of the Grade I race on Tapeta, emphasizing that the horse's perfect track record on turf places him as a formidable contender, provided he encounters a favorable pace.

Meanwhile, East Avenue, a Godolphin horse with a prior Grade I win, aims to return to form in the Mat Win Stakes, scheduled at Churchill Downs tomorrow.

East Avenue had a strong start to his career, winning his first race impressively at Ellis Park and dominating the Breeders Futurity, a Grade I, at Keeneland.

Trainer Brendan Walsh seeks to capture victory again in the Mat Win Stakes, having previously led Maxfield to a win in 2020, which served as a qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby.

Banahan commented on East Avenue’s continued vigor in training and expressed confidence in the horse's state heading into the Mat Win, despite challenges faced in the muddy conditions during his Derby outing.

The hope is for dry conditions at Churchill on race day.