Northwestern University’s Medill Local News Initiative has reported that obituaries for 127 newspapers were written in 2024.

The 1.5-mile race will feature racehorses Sovereignty and Journalism, the winners of the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, respectively. Journalism had been the odds favorite (4-1) heading into the Derby, while Sovereignty entered the race at 9-1 odds, but Sovereignty gained the edge in the final moments on the muddy Churchill Downs track.

The longstanding Williston Park diner, owned by the Sarfs horse racing family, sponsored jockey Junior Alvarado on Sovereignty and jockey Umberto Rispoli on Journalism. Between the two, they brought home the gold from the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, winning Hildenbrandt’s what some call a triple crown by extension.

Journalism or Sovereignty? Jody Demling, who has nailed four of the last seven Belmont Stakes winners, just revealed his 2025 Belmont Stakes picks for Saturday, June 7 at Saratoga Race Course

Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course at a shortened distance of 1¼ miles. Kentucky Derby top three finishers Sovereignty, Journalism, and Baez will compete, with Journalism entering as the favorite after winning the Preakness.