Belmont Stakes 2025 – Top Contenders and Betting Insights
5 minutes
Last Updated: May 20, 2025
The Belmont Stakes holds a unique place in American horse racing history as the final and often most challenging leg of the prestigious Triple Crown (the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes).
Traditionally held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the 2025 edition of this storied race brings a temporary change of scenery. For the second consecutive year, “The Test of the Champion” will unfold at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, June 7.
This temporary relocation, necessitated by ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, introduces new dynamics for contenders, trainers, and racing enthusiasts alike.
As the third jewel in the Triple Crown awaits its next champion, anticipation builds for the drama that will unfold on the historic Saratoga main track.
The 2025 Belmont Stakes Snapshot
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, when the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes takes center stage. The race is the highlight of a five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, running from June 4 to June 8.
Due to the configuration of Saratoga’s track, the distance for the 2025 Belmont Stakes will be 1 1/4 miles, a notable change from the traditional 1 1/2 miles run at Belmont Park. The Belmont Stakes itself boasts a significant $2 million purse, contributing to the Festival’s $11,275,000 in total stakes money.
Contenders Eyeing the Final Jewel
While the full field for the 2025 Belmont Stakes won’t be finalized until closer to race day, early news provides hints about potential participants. Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, is targeting the Belmont Stakes, electing to skip the Preakness Stakes on May 17 to focus on the June 7 goal at Saratoga.
This development is already heightening interest in Belmont Stakes 2025 betting, as odds and predictions shift in response to training strategies and race preparation.
This decision highlights a common strategy: arriving at Belmont fresh. Historically, horses that skip either the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes often enjoy an advantage in the Belmont.
Tonalist in 2014 and Tapwrit in 2017 are cited examples of fresh contenders who defeated Triple Crown hopefuls at Belmont Park. Bettors are eagerly awaiting the list of specific contenders and their morning line odds, which will be posted after the draw.
Saratoga’s Unique Test of Endurance
The temporary move to Saratoga brings a crucial change to the race itself: the distance. Traditionally run at 1 1/2 miles, the longest of the Triple Crown races, the 2025 Belmont Stakes will be contested at 1 1/4 miles.
The shorter distance is due to the layout of Saratoga’s main track. While the Belmont Stakes is traditionally a test of stamina, favoring horses built for longer races, the 1 1/4 mile configuration at Saratoga may shift the emphasis slightly—requiring more of-the-line speed than the classic distance where Secretariat famously won by 31 lengths in 1973.
Distance Impact on Strategy
The adjustment from 1 1/2 miles to 1 1/4 miles means horses may not need the level of deep endurance traditionally required at Belmont Park. The slightly shorter race might favor horses with a better blend of speed and stamina, potentially widening the pool of viable contenders beyond pure distance specialists.
Temporary Home, Enduring Spirit
Even with the temporary shift in venue, the spirit of the Belmont Stakes and the excitement of the Triple Crown remain strong. Saratoga Race Course—with its rich history dating back to 1863 and iconic moments like Rachel Alexandra’s electrifying 2009 Woodward Stakes win—offers a captivating setting for this major event.
While different from Belmont Park, Saratoga delivers its own thrilling atmosphere, as seen in dramatic upsets like Keen Ice’s 2015 Travers Stakes victory over American Pharoah. This year’s Belmont promises a fresh but equally unforgettable experience for fans.
Betting Insights and Historical Trends
Betting is a significant part of the Belmont Stakes experience, with options available both on-track and through online platforms like OTB. While ante-post odds might be offered early, the official odds are set after the post position draw. However, historical trends provide valuable insights for potential bettors.
Only 13 horses have achieved the Triple Crown since 1919, highlighting the difficulty of winning the Belmont after taking the first two legs. Favorites often falter, leading to memorable upsets. Sarava winning at 70-1 odds in 2002 and Da’ Tara at 38-1 in 2008 are prime examples of longshot victories.
The “Graveyard” Reputation
Belmont Park earned the nickname “The Graveyard of Champions” due to the numerous Triple Crown bids that have been derailed there. Many horses arrived having won the Derby and Preakness but couldn’t clinch the third victory in this demanding race.
Experience Counts
Navigating the specific nuances of the Belmont Stakes track and distance has historically given an edge to experienced jockeys and trainers. Their knowledge of pace, strategy, and the course layout often proves crucial in the demanding final leg.
Historical examples are revealing, experienced trainers like Woody Stephens, won the race five consecutive times from 1982-1986 and seasoned jockeys have historically performed well.
Experiencing the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
Attending the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga is part of a larger festival experience. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival runs for five days.
Beyond the main event, Belmont Stakes Day itself features a card with several other prestigious races, including the Grade 1, $1 million Metropolitan Handicap and the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur.
General admission tickets are available, costing $75 for adults on Belmont Stakes Day, with various reserved seating and premium options also offered.
Visitors can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks daily, with outside alcohol permitted only on Wednesday, June 4 and Sunday, June 8. Planning your visit early is recommended due to the event’s popularity.
Saratoga’s Excitement Builds
The 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga promises to deliver the excitement and drama that define this historic race, even with the temporary change in venue and distance.
Whether a Derby or Preakness winner seeks to add another classic victory or a fresh contender aims for glory, the third jewel of the Triple Crown remains a compelling spectacle.
As the horses break from the gate on June 7, they will embark on a journey testing their ability and determination on the Saratoga dirt, continuing a tradition that will eventually return to its renovated home at Belmont Park in 2026.
