The Belmont Stakes is more than a contest between Thoroughbreds—it's a tactical chess match, where elite jockeys play a crucial role in shaping outcomes. As the final leg of the Triple Crown returns to Saratoga in 2025, all eyes are on the human talent guiding the contenders. From seasoned Hall of Famers to rising international stars, this year’s field boasts a formidable lineup in the saddle.
With Belmont Stakes betting heating up and the Belmont Stakes odds shifting daily, understanding who’s holding the reins may be just as important as knowing which horse has the best speed figures. Several jockeys are familiar with Saratoga’s demanding surface, while others arrive with momentum and confidence from earlier Triple Crown performances. Let’s break down this year’s top Belmont jockeys and odds (BUSR odds) for each contender, from veterans seeking another jewel to rookies ready to make history.
Widely regarded as the master of Saratoga, Irad Ortiz Jr. returns with Hill Road, fresh off a dominant win in the Peter Pan Stakes. Ortiz has two previous Belmont wins—Creator in 2016 and Mo Donegal in 2022—and he's been Saratoga’s leading rider for the past three seasons.
Hill Road is on a strong upward trajectory, and Ortiz’s track familiarity and impeccable timing make this duo the one to beat. His command over race rhythm and ability to deliver pinpoint rides in big moments places him atop this ranking. If you’re studying the Belmont Stakes odds, don’t overlook the impact of Irad’s experience at the Spa.
Umberto Rispoli is in top form, riding Journalism to a dramatic victory in the Preakness Stakes just weeks ago. Although this marks his Belmont debut, the Italian jockey has already turned heads with his ice-cool ride in Baltimore and a gritty runner-up effort in the Kentucky Derby.
Rispoli has been working in Journalism over Saratoga’s main track and riding in preliminary races to acclimate. Confidence is high in this camp, and for those looking for a hot hand in Preakness Stakes betting turned Belmont value, Rispoli-Journalism is a combination that’s peaking at the right moment.
Frenchman Flavien Prat brings balance and consistency to the big stage. He’s finished in the money multiple times in the Belmont and now partners with Baeza, a colt whose closing run in the Kentucky Derby was eye-catching.
Prat, the 2024 Eclipse Award winner, is overdue for a Belmont victory. With Baeza’s ability to make one strong move and Prat’s poise under pressure, this pair could deliver a tactical masterpiece. Watch the Belmont Stakes odds closely if early money starts leaning toward this polished duo.
A living legend, Johnny Velazquez has two Belmont wins and unmatched experience in Triple Crown races. This year, he’s teamed with front-runner Crudo. While Crudo faces stamina questions, Velazquez’s ability to manage pace and save energy could keep him in contention longer than expected.
Velazquez thrives under pressure and will know precisely when to push the button. If Crudo gets an uncontested lead, expect Johnny V to attempt a wire-to-wire steal.
Mike “Big Money” Smith needs no introduction. With three Belmont wins—including the iconic Justify sweep in 2018—Smith is a proven closer and tactician. This time, he’s aboard Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert and expected to set the pace.
If the race unfolds in front-end favoring conditions, Smith could control the tempo and defy the stalkers. It’s a tall task, but he’s done it before. Those who bet on Belmont Stakes history often look to Smith as a prime value pick.
Fresh from winning the Kentucky Derby, Junior Alvarado partners again with Sovereignty. The pair skipped the Preakness to focus on the Belmont, a strategic move aimed at preserving their stamina.
Alvarado has been sharp all spring, but his Belmont track record is modest. If Sovereignty finds the same late kick from Churchill Downs, this duo can surprise, especially if the early fractions are honest. Keep an eye on late shifts in the Belmont Stakes odds if weather or pace changes are expected.
Luis Saez is a proven Belmont winner, but this year’s mount, Uncaged, appears to be up against it. While Saez knows Saratoga well and thrives in aggressive tactics, the colt's form suggests he’s a longshot needing a dream trip.
Still, Saez stunned bettors in 2024 with a Belmont upset. If conditions turn chaotic or the pace collapses, Uncaged and Saez could benefit. For savvy Belmont Stakes betting strategists, he’s a fringe exacta/trifecta candidate.
British jockey Saffie Osborne brings fresh energy and determination. Having debuted in the Preakness with Heart of Honor and now back aboard the same colt, Osborne is quickly gaining experience at the top level.
Her mount lacks the class of others in the field, but its staying ability gives it an outside shot. Osborne must stay patient and hope for a meltdown up front. It’s an uphill climb, but the upside is there.
The Belmont is often called “The Test of the Champion,” but it’s just as much a test of the rider. Strategic decisions, race pace judgment, and composure under pressure will shape the outcome more than ever at Saratoga.
As Belmont Stakes betting lines fluctuate and public sentiment builds, bettors would be wise to factor in jockeys’ Saratoga records and Triple Crown performances. With Irad Ortiz Jr. poised to dominate, and Rispoli and Prat eager to stake their claim, the 2025 Belmont Stakes is as much about the saddle as it is the stables.
Explore the whole field and make your picks with confidence. Whether you favor experience, momentum, or underdog flair, our handicappers provide expert analysis, live Belmont Stakes odds news, and all the betting tips you need for your horse racing betting glory
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
