The horse racing world eagerly anticipates the 2025 Belmont Stakes, set to captivate fans on Saturday, June 7, at Saratoga Race Course. This year’s “Test of the Champion” carries an undeniable buzz, primarily due to the highly anticipated rematch between Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness Stakes victor Journalism. For the second consecutive year, due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, Saratoga Springs will host the final jewel of the Triple Crown, a change that also brings a shortened distance of 1 1/4 miles. This unique circumstance sets the stage for a compelling showdown, a departure from the traditional 1 1/2-mile marathon.
As of today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, excitement builds with the latest odds placing Journalism as the 8-5 favorite, fresh off his impressive come-from-behind win at Pimlico. Sovereignty, who skipped the Preakness to remain fresh for this epic encounter, is a close second at 2-1. This dynamic duo has already clashed once this Triple Crown season, with Sovereignty prevailing in the Kentucky Derby. Now, the stage is set for Journalism to seek his revenge in what promises to be a memorable edition of the Belmont Stakes. The field of eight also includes other formidable contenders like Baeza (4-1), Rodriguez (6-1), and the Peter Pan Stakes winner, Hill Road (10-1), ensuring a competitive race for the $2 million purse.
Saratoga’s Unique Challenge: The 2025 Belmont Stakes Distance
The decision to hold the 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course for the second consecutive year is a direct result of the extensive modernization project underway at its traditional home, Belmont Park. This temporary relocation, while necessary, significantly impacts the race itself, most notably by shortening the distance from its customary 1 1/2 miles to 1 1/4 miles. This change is not new; it also occurred in 2024 and in 2020 due to the pandemic. The main track at Saratoga Race Course is 1 1/8 miles, making it impractical to run the traditional 1 1/2-mile distance. Therefore, the distance for the 2025 Belmont Stakes mirrors that of the Kentucky Derby, potentially favoring horses with a strong turn of foot rather than those built for endurance.
This altered distance adds another layer of intrigue to the handicapping process. Horses that might have struggled with the grueling 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park could find new life over the shorter Saratoga course. Conversely, some traditional stamina-laden contenders might find the pace too quick. Trainers and jockeys alike will be adapting their strategies to this specific track and distance, aiming to maximize their horse’s potential. The weather forecast also adds a wrinkle, with light rain expected on Saturday after a projected downpour on Friday. This could result in a sloppy track, which historically has sometimes led to upsets at Saratoga, known as “The Graveyard of Champions.” This means that past performances on off tracks could become a critical factor for bettors and fans analyzing the 2025 Belmont Stakes.
The Contenders and the Stakes
The 2025 Belmont Stakes features a compact but competitive field of eight horses, each vying for a share of the $2 million purse. The winner will take home a hefty $1.2 million, with second place receiving $360,000 and third place $200,000. Every horse in the field is guaranteed a piece of the prize money, with even the seventh and eighth place finishers earning $20,000.
Let’s look at the key contenders and their current odds:
- Journalism (8-5): The Preakness winner, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, enters the Belmont on a hot streak. His late-closing style could be potent over the 1 1/4-mile distance.
- Sovereignty (2-1): Kentucky Derby champion, under the care of Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado aboard. His decision to bypass the Preakness means he arrives in Saratoga well-rested, a significant advantage in a grueling Triple Crown campaign.
- Baeza (4-1): Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Flavien Prat, Baeza showed promise in the Kentucky Derby and is considered a strong contender for an exacta or trifecta wager. His pedigree suggests he could thrive at this distance.
- Rodriguez (6-1): Representing the formidable trainer-jockey duo of Bob Baffert and Mike Smith, Rodriguez broke his maiden earlier this year and won the Wood Memorial. He’s known for going to the front, which could be a factor in setting the pace.
- Hill Road (10-1): Chad Brown trains this horse with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the irons. Hill Road secured a graded stakes win recently and finished third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He’s a live longshot with potential.
The other contenders include Uncaged (30-1) trained by Todd Pletcher, Crudo (15-1) also from the Todd Pletcher barn, and Heart of Honor (GB) (30-1). Each of these horses brings their own set of strengths and could surprise the favorites if the race unfolds in their favor. The strategic decisions made by trainers regarding their horses’ conditioning and how jockeys navigate the Saratoga track will be paramount.
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 Belmont Stakes is palpable. Fans are ready for the thrilling conclusion to this year’s Triple Crown series, even with the temporary change of venue and distance. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing enthusiast or a casual observer, the showdown at Saratoga promises a day of exhilarating sport.
Don’t miss the 2025 Belmont Stakes! Tune in on Saturday, June 7, at 7:04 p.m. ET to witness history unfold.