**2025 Belmont Stakes: Ranking the Field from First to Last**

The 2025 Belmont Stakes promises excitement even in the absence of a Triple Crown contender. This year's race, set against the picturesque landscape of Saratoga, is highly anticipated due to the rematch of the top three Kentucky Derby finishers and some intriguing new entries.

Three horses have already distinguished themselves in the 2025 season: Journalism, Sovereignty, and Baeza. These thoroughbreds established their dominance before the Kentucky Derby, and their impressive performances confirmed their elite status. Saturday’s showdown will determine their final order of finish in what is shaping up to be an thrilling contest.

1. **Journalism (8-5)**: This tenacious colt, sired by Curlin, is the top pick after a stellar season. Despite encountering a wet track in the Kentucky Derby, which may have hampered his performance, he shined in the Preakness Stakes. This Saturday, if he enjoys a smoother trip, Journalism has a strong chance of emerging victorious and proving that horses can still excel in all three stages of the Triple Crown.

2. **Baeza (4-1)**: Under the guidance of trainer John Shirreffs, this colt has shown rapid improvement with each race. His Beyer Speed Figure has steadily increased, indicating he is nearing peak form. Although a wide draw in the Kentucky Derby may have affected his placement, Baeza’s strong showing in the Santa Anita Derby suggests he’s a formidable contender for the Belmont Stakes.

3. **Sovereignty (2-1)**: Trained by Bill Mott, Sovereignty claimed victory in the Kentucky Derby with an impressive late surge. While the wet conditions may have given him an edge, his form leading up to the race was commendable. Despite sitting out the Preakness Stakes, Sovereignty is expected to deliver a robust performance, though the exacta bet could favor Journalism over him.

4. **Rodriguez (6-1)**: Bob Baffert’s colt is expected to set the pace early in the race. His success hinges on outpacing Crudo in the initial stages. Improvement in the Wood Memorial Stakes without blinkers makes him a contender, but his chances are closely tied to his ability to lead.

5. **Hill Road (10-1)**: The son of Quality Road won the Peter Pan Stakes after a lackluster third-place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby. While not the fastest, Hill Road can benefit from a fast early pace and may pick off tiring horses towards the end.

6. **Heart of Honor (30-1)**: Under Jamie Osborne, this colt isn’t expected to win but could surprise by securing a lower-tier finish. He showed potential in the Preakness despite a challenging trip and could fill out a superfecta at a high price.

7. **Crudo (15-1)**: With two dominant recent wins in the Sir Barton Stakes, Crudo faces a test of class. His inability to pass horses and untested stamina beyond 1 1/16 miles place him at a disadvantage, especially against a pace-setter like Rodriguez.

8. **Uncaged (30-1)**: This second entrant from Todd Pletcher is contingent on a muddy track to perform well, conditions unlikely for this Saturday. On dry tracks, Uncaged has struggled, and even with rain, the class gap may be too wide.