The 158th Belmont Stakes, the final race in the Triple Crown series, will take place this Saturday at 7:04 p.m. ET in Saratoga, New York. This marks the third and last time the Belmont will be held at Saratoga before returning to Belmont Park in 2027, as Belmont Park is currently undergoing significant renovations. The race will cover a shorter distance of 1¼ miles and feature a purse of $2 million with a field of nine horses, including Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and notable contenders such as Chief Wallabee, Renegade, Commandment, and Emerging Market.
This year’s Belmont Stakes serves as a temporary “test of champions” at the same length as the Kentucky Derby, ending the temporary alterations to the Triple Crown venues. Past Saratoga Belmont winners Sovereignty and Dornoch succeeded by staying close to the leaders, which may disadvantage deep closers like Golden Tempo. The field and their odds, alongside some insight:
Vitruvian Man (30-1) – The longest shot, partially owned by rappers Lil Wayne and Lil Yachty through Run Fast Racing. Coming off a two-month break, he showed promise with a third-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes. Bet if you believe fresh legs and a strong early pace will help him finish strongly.
Powershift (12-1) – Trained by Todd Pletcher, the colt broke his maiden in May and is expected to race near the front. Bet if you think he can improve on his class after a sixth-place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby and utilize his front-running style at the shorter distance.
Chief Wallabee (3-1) – Skipped the Preakness as per trainer Bill Mott’s strategy, with one win in four starts. He had some trouble at the Kentucky Derby, finishing fourth, and may rebound without the earlier traffic issues. Bet if you think he was unfairly impeded in the Derby’s final stretch.
Renegade (2-1) – A strong performer with five starts, including a Grade I Arkansas Derby win and second place in the Kentucky Derby. Expected to be a heavy favorite, he should fare well with a smaller field. Bet if you were impressed by his Derby effort despite the tough post position.
Ottinho (20-1) – Another two-month layoff horse, trained by Chad Brown, finished no worse than third in all starts but was beaten decisively in the Blue Grass Stakes. Bet if you trust Brown’s successful record in major races and his colt’s potential to upset.
Growth Equity (12-1) – Newcomer to graded stakes, having won his last two races including the Grade III Peter Pan Stakes. Bet if you believe he is improving and can control the pace in this speed-limited field.
Commandment (6-1) – Once a Kentucky Derby favorite, he stumbled to seventh amid race traffic but demonstrated a strong four-win streak earlier. Bet if you discount his Derby troubles and focus on his prior impressive performances.
Emerging Market (6-1) – The Louisiana Derby winner faded to 10th in the Kentucky Derby after losing a shoe but had previously beaten Golden Tempo. Bet if you want to overlook his Derby performance and rely on his ability to stalk the pace for an upset.
Golden Tempo (9-2) – The Kentucky Derby champ is making his first Saratoga start and will be ridden by Jose Ortiz. He benefits from skipping the Preakness and will need strong pace-setting horses to capitalize on his closing style. Bet if you believe he has the best credentials and improved rest will give him an edge.
For betting strategies, consider front-runners with reasonable odds such as Renegade and Emerging Market, who may capitalize on the shorter distance and race dynamics. Wagering on Emerging Market across win, place, and show, pairing him over Chief Wallabee in exactas, and including Golden Tempo in trifectas could offer good value.
Fan Take:
This year’s Belmont Stakes is crucial for fans as it tests how the Triple Crown races adapt when held at different venues and distances, reshaping strategies and horse performance expectations. It also highlights rising new talents and seasoned contenders, signaling potential shifts in the sport’s competitive landscape as it prepares to return to its traditional settings.
Source: www.espn.com
