The Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown, is heading back to Saratoga Race Course on 7 June 2025. While Belmont Park continues its extensive renovation, Saratoga plays host for the second straight year. And with the distance shortened to 1¼ miles, this year’s race promises to be faster—and potentially more competitive—than ever.
All eyes are on a high-stakes showdown between two standout contenders: Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty and Preakness winner Journalism. With the two yet to meet on the track, anticipation is building for their long-awaited head-to-head clash.
What Makes the 2025 Belmont Stakes Unique?
– Venue: Change from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course (for the second year),
– Distance: 1¼ miles instead of 1½,
– Purse: $2 million, Grade 1,
– Date & Time: Saturday, 7 June 2025, post time ~6:50 p.m. ET,
– Broadcast: FOX (4–7:30 p.m. ET).
This year’s race is set to shake up tradition, and bettors are watching closely. The field is impressive and the reduced distance could favour different running styles compared to past races.
If you’re exploring options for Belmont Stakes betting, this year’s matchup is shaping up to be especially intriguing with at least seven competitive horses in the mix.
Contender Breakdown: Meet the Probables
Let’s go through the names, stats, and most recent form of the horses likely to line up at the gate.
Sovereignty (Trainer: Bill Mott | Jockey: Junior Alvarado)
– Sire: Into Mischief
– Record: 3 wins, 2 seconds in 6 starts
– Last race: 1st, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby (3 May)
Fresh off a commanding Derby win, Sovereignty is skipping the Preakness and heading straight for Saratoga. The 3-year-old colt has a tactical edge and should thrive at the shorter distance. His team is confident, though Alvarado’s Derby ride did draw a suspension, which he’s appealing.
Journalism (Trainer: Michael McCarthy | Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)
-Sire: Curlin
– Record: 5 wins, 1 second in 7 starts
– Last race: 1st, Grade 1 Preakness Stakes (17 May)
Preakness champion Journalism was originally the favourite for the Derby but skipped it entirely. With a powerful close and proven stamina, he’s a true threat at 10 furlongs. Co-owner Aron Wellman says the Belmont remains under consideration—pending the horse’s condition.
Baeza (Trainer: John Shirreffs | Jockey: Flavien Prat)
– Sire: McKinzie
– Record: 1 win, 2 seconds, 1 third in 5 starts
– Last race: 3rd, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby (3 May)
– Odds: 12-1 (projected)
Baeza put in a gritty performance in the Derby to grab third. While he’s not the flashiest colt in the field, consistency and a proven ability to close in big races make him a live outsider.
Rodriguez (Trainer: Bob Baffert | Jockey: Mike Smith)
– Sire: Authentic
– Record: 2 wins, 2 seconds in 5 starts
– Last race: 1st, Grade 2 Wood Memorial (5 April)
Courtesy of a powerhouse trainer and an elite jockey, Rodriguez offers strength and tactical speed. His Wood Memorial win showed solid pace-setting ability. One to watch if the track favours front-runners.
Grande (Trainer: Todd Pletcher | Jockey: Dylan Davis)
– Sire: Curlin
– Record: 2 wins, 1 second in 3 starts
– Last race: 2nd, Grade 2 Wood Memorial (5 April)
Grande has run sparingly but impressed in every outing. Light on experience, yes—but he’s bred for this level. A sharp run in the Wood makes him an interesting wildcard.
Heart of Honor (Trainer: Jamie Osborne | Jockey: Saffie Osborne)
– Sire: Honor A. P.
– Record: 2 wins, 4 seconds in 7 starts
– Last race: 5th, Grade 1 Preakness (17 May)
Heart of Honor is one of the more seasoned colts in the lineup, and although he was fifth in the Preakness, his performance was noteworthy. Heart of Honor hasn’t had a standout victory yet, but has a record making him worth following.
Storylines Worth Watching
– Triple Crown twist: With different winners in the Derby and Preakness, there’s no Triple Crown bid—but a Sovereignty vs. Journalism face-off is just as good,
– Redemption arcs: Alvarado’s Derby ride drew heat. A win at Saratoga could shift the narrative,
– Young contenders rising: Horses like Grande and Hill Road have lower mileage but high potential.
What’s Next?
The official draw for post positions takes place on Monday, 2 June. Until then, all eyes remain on the training barns. Fitness updates, jockey confirmations, and track conditions will shape how the odds move.
For those tracking developments, the landscape for Belmont Stakes betting is already buzzing. It’s not just about picking a name—it’s about understanding which horse best fits this unique version of the race.