Junior Alvarado Faces Challenges Ahead of Belmont Stakes Ride

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Jockey Junior Alvarado has experienced a turbulent spring filled with injuries and controversy, yet he remains focused as he prepares to ride Sovereignty in the 157th Belmont Stakes this Saturday.

Alvarado, based in Long Island, suffered a shoulder injury in March when a horse under his care, Term, collapsed due to a heart attack during a race. This incident sidelined him from riding Sovereignty in the Florida Derby. However, he returned just in time for the Kentucky Derby, where he celebrated a significant victory aboard Sovereignty.

“It’s the greatest achievement I have in my career as a jockey,” Alvarado told The Post in an interview outside Sovereignty’s barn. “It’s been a really good experience, not only for me, but with my family.”

In the lead-up to the Belmont, Alvarado’s success has led to unexpected perks, including throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium and having an ice cream flavor named after him by his sponsor, Hildebrandt’s of Williston Park. However, his path hasn’t been without obstacles; he faces a two-day suspension and a hefty fine for alleged whip abuse during the Derby.

Despite these challenges, Alvarado expressed his belief that Sovereignty is well-prepared and ready to compete against a field that includes contenders like Baeza and Crudo. “He’s very smart,” Alvarado said. “He lets me know. At a certain point in the race, he kind of jumps on it and, ‘Hey, I’m ready to go.’”

Trainer Bill Mott, who oversees Sovereignty, emphasized Alvarado’s loyalty and skill, stating, “He’s been very loyal to us in terms of being willing to ride whatever we wanted him to ride and he’s done a good job for us.”

Alongside Alvarado and Sovereignty, the Belmont Stakes will feature a competitive field. Among the seven challengers is Baeza, a promising horse trained by John Shirreffs, and Crudo, co-owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay.

As the day approaches, Alvarado remains optimistic about his chances and aims to write another chapter in his story with Sovereignty.