June 7 (UPI) -- Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty ran right by Preakness Stakes winner Journalism at mid-stretch and ran on to a definitive victory in Saturday's $2 million, Grade I Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
Sovereignty and Journalism finished first and second, respectively, in the Derby. While Journalism went on to win the Preakness Stakes, middle jewel of the Triple Crown, two weeks later, trainer Bill Mott rested Sovereignty for the Belmont Stakes. The five-week respite paid off.
As the early leaders faded turning into the stretch run in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont, it was Journalism who surged to the front. But jockey Junior Alvarado aboard Sovereignty had that rival in his sights all the way and dominated the final 200 yards.
He was going away at the finish, winning by open lengths.
Sovereignty is owned by his breeder, Godolphin, founded by Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai.
