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The Belmont Stakes is the third and final jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, and US Racing is the single most comprehensive destination for every betting decision you'll make on the 2026 Belmont. This guide combines live odds, in-depth contender analysis, expert picks, and a complete betting education in one authoritative resource. Whether you're placing your first-ever Belmont bet or structuring a multi-race exotic ticket, you'll find everything you need here.
The 158th Belmont Stakes runs on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a post time of approximately 6:49 PM ET. The purse stands at $2 million, with $1.2 million going to the winner. Up to 14 three-year-old Thoroughbreds may enter the starting gate. The Belmont Stakes is contested over 1 1/4 miles of Saratoga's main track. The race moves to Saratoga Race Course this year while Belmont Park undergoes redevelopment.
BUSR offers the most complete 2026 Belmont Stakes betting menu available, including fixed-odds win betting (lock in your price before it moves), full pari-mutuel exotic wagers, and futures betting available right now.
| Race | 158th Belmont Stakes - The Test of the Champion |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, June 6, 2026 |
| Post Time | Approximately 6:49 PM ET |
| Location | Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York |
| Distance | 1 1/4 Miles (10 Furlongs) - Dirt |
| Purse | $2,000,000 ($1.2M to the winner) |
| Field | Up to 14 Three-Year-Old Thoroughbreds |
| Fixed Odds | Available Now at BUSR - Bet Today's Price |
| PP | HORSE | JOCKEY | TRAINER | SIRE | RUNNING STYLE | TOP SPEED FIG | PREVIOUS START |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | Into Mischief | Closer | 104 | 2nd, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 2 | Golden Tempo | Jose Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux | Curlin | Closer | 106 | 1st, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | William Mott | Constitution | Stalker | 98 | 4th, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 4 | So Happy | Mike E. Smith | Mark Glatt | Runhappy | Pacesetter | 101 | 9th, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 5 | Commandment | Luis Saez | Brad Cox | Into Mischief | Pacesetter / Stalker | 103 | 7th, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 6 | Potente | Juan J. Hernandez | Bob Baffert | Into Mischief | Stalker / Closer | 100 | 12th, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 7 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown | Candy Ride | Stalker | 99 | 10th, 2026 Kentucky Derby |
| 8 | Ottinho | Dylan Davis | Chad Brown | Quality Road | Closer | 97 | 2nd, Blue Grass Stakes |
| 9 | Talk To Me Jimmy | Ruben Silvera | Rudy Rodriguez | Modernist | Pacesetter | 96 | 2nd, Peter Pan Stakes |
| 10 | Ocelli | Tyler Gaffalione | D. Whitworth Beckman | Connect | Closer | 99 | 4th, Preakness Stakes |
| 11 | Grown Equity | Manny Franco | Chad Brown | Nyquist | Stalker | 98 | 1st, Peter Pan Stakes |
The official morning line will be published following the post-position draw on Monday, June 1st. In the meantime, you can lock in early prices at BUSR using the Future Wager pool from the New York Racing Association.
Belmont Stakes odds form rapidly after the Preakness concludes, and the market undergoes its most significant shifts in three distinct windows. Understanding each window tells you when to bet futures versus waiting:
The 2026 Belmont Stakes field is set with 12 starters. Golden Tempo arrives as the Kentucky Derby winner; Napoleon Solo bypassed the Belmont to focus on the Haskell Stakes. The following profiles cover the full confirmed field. See the leading Belmont Stakes contenders below.
| Horse | Golden Tempo | Post Position | 2 |
| Trainer | Cherie DeVaux | Jockey | Jose Ortiz |
| Sire | Curlin | Top Speed Fig | 106 |
| Running Style | Closer | Owner | Phipps Stable & St. Elias Stable |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 1st (106 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | The Kentucky Derby winner arrives at Saratoga fresh after bypassing the Preakness Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux has managed Golden Tempo masterfully through the Triple Crown calendar, choosing rest over the Preakness and pointing the Curlin colt directly at the 1 1/4-mile Belmont test. A 106 Equibase speed figure in the Derby is the top figure in the 2026 Belmont field. Curlin progeny are renowned for their stamina and class at classic distances, and the one-turn Saratoga configuration suits a horse with Golden Tempo's closing style perfectly. Post position 2 gives Jose Ortiz options to settle just off the pace and produce a powerful late run. As the favorite, his Win odds will be compressed -- structure exotics around him and direct Win exposure to overlays. | ||
| Horse | Renegade | Post Position | 1 |
| Trainer | Todd Pletcher | Jockey | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| Sire | Into Mischief | Top Speed Fig | 104 |
| Running Style | Closer | Owner | TBD |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 2nd (104 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | The Kentucky Derby runner-up bypassed the Preakness and arrives at Saratoga with the same freshness advantage as Golden Tempo. Pletcher is a four-time Belmont winner with a superb Saratoga record, and Irad Ortiz Jr. is among the most accomplished Belmont riders in the country. Rail post position 1 is ideal for a closing style at Saratoga's one-turn layout. At a likely significant overlay to Golden Tempo's short price, Renegade represents the best Win value in the 2026 Belmont. Back him for Win and use him alongside Golden Tempo in Exacta and Trifecta part-wheels. | ||
| Horse | Grown Equity | Post Position | 11 |
| Trainer | Chad Brown | Jockey | Manny Franco |
| Sire | Nyquist | Top Speed Fig | 98 |
| Running Style | Stalker | Owner | Klaravich Stables, Inc. |
| Last Race | 2026 Peter Pan Stakes (G3) -- 1st (98 Equibase fig). Bypassed both Derby and Preakness. | ||
| Analysis | The Peter Pan Stakes winner is the most overlooked horse in the 2026 Belmont. Brown has won the Belmont with Peter Pan horses and points Grown Equity at Saratoga after bypassing both Derby and Preakness -- the most targeted, rested approach in the field. A Nyquist colt with stamina breeding, a winning prep at the traditional Belmont distance prep, and a trainer who peaks horses for exactly this race. At a generous price against the Triple Crown narrative, Grown Equity is the primary longshot Win value in the 2026 Belmont and an automatic inclusion in every Trifecta and Superfecta ticket. | ||
| Horse | Commandment | Post Position | 5 |
| Trainer | Brad Cox | Jockey | Luis Saez |
| Sire | Into Mischief | Top Speed Fig | 103 |
| Running Style | Pacesetter / Stalker | Owner | TBD |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 7th (103 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | Brad Cox's pacesetter is the most dangerous tactical horse in the 2026 Belmont. In a field heavy with closers, a horse that controls the early fractions from post 5 could steal the race at a significant price. Cox won the Belmont with Essential Quality (2021) and knows exactly how to position a horse to win at Saratoga. Include Commandment in all Trifecta and Superfecta tickets as a pace-controlling wild card -- and consider a modest Win bet if you believe the closer-heavy field sets up a perfect pace scenario for him. | ||
| Horse | Chief Wallabee | Post Position | 3 |
| Trainer | William Mott | Jockey | Junior Alvarado |
| Sire | Constitution | Top Speed Fig | 98 |
| Running Style | Stalker | Owner | Michael & Katherine G. Ball |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 4th (98 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | William Mott's Constitution colt ran a respectable fourth in the Kentucky Derby in an 18-horse field under pressure. Mott won the Belmont with Drosselmeyer (2010) and is among the most cerebral trainers at Saratoga, where he maintains a perennial strong record. Constitution is a sire known for developing horses at classic distances, and the freshness advantage from skipping the Preakness is a genuine asset. A stalking style from post 3 is well-positioned for Saratoga's configuration. A legitimate Trifecta and Superfecta inclusion, with modest Win value at the right price. | ||
| Horse | So Happy | Post Position | 4 |
| Trainer | Mark Glatt | Jockey | Mike E. Smith |
| Sire | Runhappy | Top Speed Fig | 101 |
| Running Style | Pacesetter | Owner | Norman Stables & Saints or Sinners |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 9th (101 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | Mark Glatt's Runhappy colt finished ninth in the Kentucky Derby but benefits from the same full freshness cycle as Golden Tempo and Renegade. A Pacesetter in a field heavy with closers and stalkers, So Happy could find himself on a soft lead if the pace scenario develops correctly at Saratoga. Runhappy is primarily a speed sire, which raises legitimate stamina questions at 1 1/4 miles. However, pace-setters who get soft fractions in the Belmont have an outsized historical impact on exacta and trifecta payouts. Include him in wide exotic tickets as the pacemaker of the race. | ||
| Horse | Potente | Post Position | 6 |
| Trainer | Bob Baffert | Jockey | Juan J. Hernandez |
| Sire | Into Mischief | Top Speed Fig | 100 |
| Running Style | Stalker / Closer | Owner | Speedway Stables LLC |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 12th (100 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | Bob Baffert's Belmont representative arrives off a disappointing 12th-place Derby finish, but Baffert is a five-time Belmont Stakes winner and has revived horses from poor Derby performances at the classic distance before. Potente's 100 Equibase figure understates his ability; his Triple Crown prep campaign showed significantly better form prior to Churchill Downs. A Stalker/Closer profile suits Saratoga's one-turn layout. Include in Superfecta tickets; hold Win exposure unless workouts from Saratoga show a meaningful fitness uptick. | ||
| Horse | Emerging Market | Post Position | 7 |
| Trainer | Chad Brown | Jockey | Flavien Prat |
| Sire | Candy Ride | Top Speed Fig | 99 |
| Running Style | Stalker | Owner | Klaravich Stables, Inc. |
| Last Race | 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) -- 10th (99 Equibase fig, May 2, 2026). Skipped the Preakness Stakes. | ||
| Analysis | Chad Brown's second Belmont entry from the Derby contingent. Emerging Market finished 10th in the Derby but arrived at Churchill Downs off a prep campaign showing steady improvement, and Brown deploys Flavien Prat -- one of the top Belmont riders in the country. A Candy Ride colt is bred for distance, and Stalker running styles perform well at Saratoga. At a likely generous price, Emerging Market is a Trifecta and Superfecta inclusion and a potential each-way play if Brown's stable form is strong heading to race week. | ||
| Horse | Ocelli | Post Position | 10 |
| Trainer | D. Whitworth Beckman | Jockey | Tyler Gaffalione |
| Sire | Connect | Top Speed Fig | 99 |
| Running Style | Closer | Owner | Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate, Front Page Equestrian |
| Last Race | 2026 Preakness Stakes (G1) -- 4th (99 Equibase fig, May 16, 2026) | ||
| Analysis | The lone horse in the field who has faced two legs of the Triple Crown, Ocelli's fourth-place finish in the Preakness behind Napoleon Solo gives him a graded stakes placing at 1 3/16 miles. The step up to 1 1/4 miles is a question mark, but Tyler Gaffalione has shown an ability to get horses into effective closing positions, and a Connect colt may find the longer distance an asset. Beckman is a relatively unknown trainer on the Triple Crown stage, creating the public underestimation that generates overlay prices. At likely generous odds, Ocelli is a prime $0.10 Superfecta speculation -- low cost, high upside if the Preakness form translates forward. | ||
| Horse | Ottinho | Post Position | 8 |
| Trainer | Chad Brown | Jockey | Dylan Davis |
| Sire | Quality Road | Top Speed Fig | 97 |
| Running Style | Closer | Owner | Three Chimneys Farm |
| Last Race | 2026 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) -- 2nd (97 Equibase fig). Bypassed both the Derby and Preakness. | ||
| Analysis | Chad Brown's third Belmont entry and the freshest horse in the field, having bypassed both the Derby and Preakness to point directly at Saratoga. Ottinho's 97 Equibase figure from the Blue Grass second-place finish is the lowest in the field, but Brown's record of developing horses specifically for the Belmont with a patient campaign is well-documented. A Quality Road colt is bred to be effective at 1 1/4 miles. Deep Superfecta inclusion at a generous price. | ||
| Horse | Talk To Me Jimmy | Post Position | 9 |
| Trainer | Rudy Rodriguez | Jockey | Ruben Silvera |
| Sire | Modernist | Top Speed Fig | 96 |
| Running Style | Pacesetter | Owner | SEI Thoroughbreds & Rudy Rodriguez |
| Last Race | 2026 Peter Pan Stakes (G3) -- 2nd (96 Equibase fig). Used the Peter Pan as Belmont prep. | ||
| Analysis | Talk To Me Jimmy used the Peter Pan Stakes as his Belmont prep, finishing second to Grown Equity. His 96 Equibase figure is the lowest in the field, and the step up in class and distance from the Peter Pan to the Belmont is significant. However, a Pacesetter in a field this heavy with closers and stalkers could find a lone-speed scenario. At maximum overlay pricing, include him only in wide $0.10 Superfecta tickets at negligible cost. | ||
The Belmont Stakes offers the full range of wagering options available at BUSR for the 2026 race, with real examples using the current field, minimum stakes, and payout potential -- from a $1 Win bet to a $0.10 Superfecta and $0.50 Pick 6.
| Bet Type | Category | Difficulty | Example | Min. Stake | Payout Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Straight | ⭐ Beginner | Golden Tempo finishes 1st | $1 | Moderate |
| Place | Straight | ⭐ Beginner | Golden Tempo finishes 1st or 2nd | $1 | Low-Mod |
| Show | Straight | ⭐ Beginner | Golden Tempo finishes top 3 | $1 | Low |
| Exacta | Exotic | ⭐⭐ Inter. | Golden Tempo 1st, Renegade 2nd -- exact order | $1 | Moderate |
| Exacta Box | Exotic | ⭐⭐ Inter. | Golden Tempo + Napoleon Solo -- either order | $2 | Moderate |
| Trifecta | Exotic | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | Exact 1-2-3: Golden Tempo / Renegade / Napoleon Solo | $1 | High |
| Trifecta Box | Exotic | ⭐⭐ Inter. | Any 3 horses, any order for 1-2-3 | $6 | High |
| Superfecta | Exotic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Expert | Exact 1-2-3-4: Golden Tempo / Renegade / Napoleon Solo / Grown Equity | $0.10 | Very High |
| Pick 3 / 4 | Multi | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | Win 3-4 consecutive races incl. Belmont | $0.50 | Very High |
| Pick 5 / 6 | Multi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Expert | Win 5-6 consecutive races; Pick 6 carryover | $0.50 | Massive |
| Win (Fixed) | Fixed | ⭐ Beginner | Napoleon Solo at odds -- price locked at bet | $1 | Guaranteed |
Win pays if your horse finishes first. Place pays if your horse finishes first or second. Show pays for a top-three finish. The trade-off is simple: safety comes at the cost of payout. Show bets on a short-priced favorite rarely offer a meaningful return. The best straight-bet approach for the 2026 Belmont is targeting Win bets on horses in the 6/1 to 15/1 range with legitimate credentials. If Golden Tempo is sent off at odds-on, avoid Win bets on him -- the risk/reward is too compressed. Renegade and Napoleon Solo are the strongest early Win candidates alongside the Derby winner.
Exotic bets require picking multiple horses in the same race. The Exacta predicts the first two finishers in exact order; the Trifecta adds a third; the Superfecta adds a fourth. The Belmont's field of up to 14 starters regularly produces surprise placers that generate outsized payouts. The $0.10 Superfecta minimum makes it possible to cover 4-5 horses at low cost -- a five-horse Superfecta box costs $12 and covers all 120 possible 1-2-3-4 combinations.
| Best Exotic Play: Use the $0.10 Superfecta box to cover 4-5 horses at a low cost. Including one or two longshots like Grown Equity or Ocelli alongside the top Win contenders can yield four-figure returns. |
Multi-race bets require winning consecutive races, with the Belmont typically anchoring the final leg of a Pick 4, Pick 5, or Pick 6 sequence. Pick 6 pools at Saratoga on Belmont Day can carry over from prior racing days, building significant jackpots. Minimum stakes can be as low as $0.50 per combination.
Understanding potential returns before you bet is essential to sizing your positions correctly. The table below uses 2025 Belmont Stakes results to illustrate real payouts across all common wager types.
| Wager (2025 Actual Results) | Stake | Actual Odds | Actual Profit | Total Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win: 2025 Belmont Winner | $20 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Place: 2nd place finisher | $20 | N/A | Varies | Varies |
| $2 Exacta: Top 2 in order | $2 | ~8-1 | ~$16 | ~$18 |
| $1 Trifecta: Top 3 in order | $1 | ~80-1 | ~$80 | ~$81 |
| $1 Superfecta (top 4 in order) | $1 | ~350-1 | ~$350 | ~$351 |
| $0.10 Superfecta Box (5 horses) | $12 | ~350-1 | ~$4,188 | ~$4,200 |
| $0.50 Pick 5 (5 legs) | $0.50 | ~400-1 | ~$200 | ~$200.50 |
| Win (Fixed, BUSR) -- lock price before post | $50 | Fixed | Guaranteed at time of bet | No tote fluctuation |
| Sizing Tip: Structure your Belmont budget across three layers: a moderate Win bet on your top selection (40% of budget), a broader Exacta/Trifecta ticket (40%), and a Superfecta box or multi-race ticket (20%). This approach captures single-horse value while preserving upside in the exotics. |
The Belmont Stakes presents a unique handicapping challenge. The three-week gap from the Preakness, the classic 1 1/4-mile distance, and Saratoga's one-turn configuration create meaningful strategic differences from the earlier Triple Crown legs. The table below captures the most proven Belmont betting approaches with 2026-specific applications.
| Strategy | How It Works | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Target the Fresh Horse | Horses who bypassed both the Derby and Preakness win at a higher rate than prices imply. Grown Equity (Peter Pan winner, fresh) and Ottinho (bypassed all three legs) are the primary fresh horses. Derby runner-up Renegade skipped the Preakness -- that rest cycle is the sweet spot. | Medium |
| Speed Figure Focus | Golden Tempo's 106 Equibase figure in the Kentucky Derby is the top number in the field. Napoleon Solo's 105 from the Preakness is the second-best. Horses with sub-98 figures face a significant class question at this level. | Low |
| Trainer Angle | Chad Brown (Grown Equity, Emerging Market, Ottinho) deploys a three-pronged attack in 2026. Todd Pletcher (Renegade) is a four-time Belmont winner. Bob Baffert (Potente) has five Belmont wins. William Mott (Chief Wallabee) won in 2010. | Low-Med |
| Fade the Triple Crown Hype | Triple Crown attempts create massive public support for the Derby winner, compressing the Belmont Win pool. Golden Tempo will likely be sent off at a very short price. Structuring exotics around him while backing Renegade and Napoleon Solo as Win plays is the optimal approach. | Medium |
| Exotic Wheeling | Select a strong opinion horse on top across Exacta/Trifecta tickets, then spread wider in lower positions. Example: Golden Tempo on top of 5 horses in an Exacta part-wheel for $5 total exposure. | Medium |
| $0.10 Superfecta Box | Cover 4-5 horses in a $0.10 Superfecta box for $12 total cost. Including longshots like Grown Equity or Ocelli alongside the favorites can yield significant returns if the top choices underperform. | Med-High |
| Fixed Odds Lock-In | Bet BUSR fixed odds on contenders now, before the official field is declared and post positions are drawn. Prices will shift significantly once the morning line is released. | Low |
| Post Position Filter | Saratoga's one-turn 1 1/4-mile configuration is more forgiving of wide posts than two-turn configurations. Closers drawn wide (like Napoleon Solo in post 12) need to find an early position -- monitor early running in the paddock for jockey strategies. | Low |
| Scenario | Frequency | Betting Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Derby winner runs in Belmont | ~70% of years | Derby winners who skip the Preakness arrive fresh and win at a strong rate. Golden Tempo represents this scenario in 2026 -- he is the most dangerous horse in the field. |
| Triple Crown attempt wins | ~13 times in history | Not applicable in 2026 -- Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness. The Triple Crown path is closed; the race is a straight Belmont contest. |
| Fresh horse (skipped Derby and Preakness) wins | ~20% of years | Peter Pan horses and other prep-route runners win the Belmont at an overlay rate. Grown Equity (Peter Pan winner, Chad Brown) is the primary angle in 2026. |
| Derby runner-up wins Belmont | ~20% of years | The second-place Derby finisher beats the winner in the Belmont more often than prices suggest. Renegade (2nd in Derby, Pletcher, fresh) is the prime angle in 2026. |
| Preakness winner completes Belmont | Variable | Napoleon Solo arrives as Preakness winner but faces a significant step up in distance and a fresh Triple Crown field. Historically, Preakness-only winners without Derby credentials face a tough task in the Belmont. |
The Saratoga surface condition -- fast, good, muddy, sloppy, or heavy -- is one of the most important late-breaking variables in Belmont wagering. Check the Saratoga Springs weather forecast on Friday, June 5, and adjust accordingly:
| Weather Watch: Saratoga Springs receives significant summer rainfall. If heavy rain is forecast for June 5-6, reconsider Win bets on pure speed types and restructure exotic tickets to include closers and mudders at high prices. The Saratoga main track can become deep and tiring in wet conditions, which historically benefits late-running horses -- a scenario that favors Golden Tempo and Renegade's closing styles. |
Historical winners are among the most valuable handicapping tools available. Trainer patterns, jockey trends, and winning odds ranges repeat far more often than most bettors realize. Use this data to validate your 2026 selections against proven winning profiles.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | 2:00.69 |
| 2024 | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | 1:35.51 |
| 2023 | Arcangelo | Javier Castellano | Jena M. Antonucci | 2:29.23 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | 2:28.28 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | 2:27.11 |
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | Barclay Tagg | Manny Franco | 1:46.53 |
| 2019 | Sir Winston | Mark Casse | Joel Rosario | 2:28.30 |
| 2018 | Justify | Bob Baffert | Mike Smith | 2:28.18 |
| 2017 | Tapwrit | Todd Pletcher | Jose L. Ortiz | 2:30.02 |
| 2016 | Creator | Steve Asmussen | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 2:28.51 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Bob Baffert | Victor Espinoza | 2:26.65 |
| 2014 | Tonalist | Christophe Clement | Joel Rosario | 2:28.52 |
| 2013 | Palace Malice | Todd Pletcher | Mike Smith | 2:30.70 |
| 2012 | Union Rags | Michael Matz | John Velazquez | 2:30.42 |
| 2011 | Ruler On Ice | Jose Valdivia | Kelly J. Breen | 2:30.88 |
| 2010 | Drosselmeyer | Mike E. Smith | William I. Mott | 2:31.57 |
| 2009 | Summer Bird | Kent Desormeaux | Tim Ice | 2:27.54 |
| 2008 | DaTara | Alan Garcia | Nicholas P. Zito | 2:29.65 |
| 2007 | Rags to Riches | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 2:28.74 |
| 2006 | Jazil | Fernando Jara | Kiaran McLaughlin | 2:27.81 |
| 2005 | Afleet Alex | Jeremy Rose | Tim Ritchey | 2:28.75 |
| 2004 | Birdstone | Edgar Prado | Nicholas P. Zito | 2:27.50 |
| 2003 | Empire Maker | Jerry Bailey | Bobby Frankel | 2:28.26 |
| 2002 | Sarava | Edgar Prado | Ken McPeek | 2:29.71 |
| 2001 | Point Given | Gary Stevens | Bob Baffert | 2:26.80 |
| 2000 | Commendable | Pat Day | D. Wayne Lukas | 2:31.20 |
| 1999 | Lemon Drop Kid | Jose Santos | Scotty Schulhofer | 2:27.80 |
| 1998 | Victory Gallop | Gary Stevens | Elliott Walden | 2:29.00 |
| 1997 | Touch Gold | Chris McCarron | David Hofmans | 2:28.80 |
| 1995 | Thunder Gulch | Gary Stevens | D. Wayne Lukas | 2:32.00 |
| 1994 | Tabasco Cat | Pat Day | D. Wayne Lukas | 2:26.80 |
| 1993 | Colonial Affair | Julie Krone | Scotty Schulhofer | 2:29.80 |
| 1992 | A.P. Indy | Eddie Delahoussaye | Neil Drysdale | 2:26.00 |
| 1991 | Hansel | Jerry Bailey | Frank Brothers | 2:28.00 |
| 1990 | Go And Go | Michael Kinane | Dermot Weld | 2:27.20 |
| 1989 | Easy Goer | Pat Day | Shug McGaughey | 2:26.00 |
| 1988 | Risen Star | Eddie Delahoussaye | Louie Roussel III | 2:26.40 |
| 1987 | Bet Twice | Craig Perret | Jimmy Croll | 2:28.20 |
| 1986 | Danzig Connection | Chris McCarron | Woody Stephens | 2:29.80 |
| 1985 | Creme Fraiche | Eddie Maple | Woody Stephens | 2:27.00 |
| 1984 | Swale | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Woody Stephens | 2:27.20 |
| 1983 | Caveat | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Woody Stephens | 2:27.80 |
| 1982 | Conquistador Cielo | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Woody Stephens | 2:28.20 |
| 1981 | Summing | George Martens | Luis Barerra | 2:29.00 |
| 1980 | Temperence Hill | Eddie Maple | Joseph Cantey | 2:29.80 |
| 1979 | Coastal | Ruben Hernandez | David Whiteley | 2:28.60 |
| 1978 | Affirmed dagger | Steve Cauthen | Laz Barrera | 2:26.80 |
| 1977 | Seattle Slew | Jean Cruguet | Billy Turner | 2:29.60 |
| 1976 | Bold Forbes | Angel Cordero Jr. | Laz Barrera | 2:29.00 |
| 1975 | Avatar | Bill Shoemaker | Tommy Doyle | 2:28.20 |
| 1974 | Little Current | Miguel Rivera | Lou Rondinello | 2:29.20 |
| 1973 | Secretariat | Ron Turcotte | Lucien Laurin | 2:24.00 |
| 1972 | Riva Ridge | Ron Turcotte | Lucien Laurin | 2:28.00 |
| 1971 | Pass Catcher | Walter Blum | Eddie Yowell | 2:30.40 |
| 1970 | High Echelon | John Rotz | John Jacobs | 2:34.00 |
| 1969 | Arts And Letters | Braulio Baeza | Elliott Burch | 2:28.80 |
| 1968 | Stage Door Johnny | Gus Gustines | John M. Gaver | 2:27.20 |
| 1967 | Damascus | Bill Shoemaker | Frank Whiteley | 2:28.80 |
| 1966 | Amberoid | William Boland | Lucien Laurin | 2:29.60 |
| 1965 | Hail To All | John Sellers | Eddie Yowell | 2:28.40 |
| 1964 | Quadrangle | Manuel Ycaza | Elliott Burch | 2:28.40 |
| 1963 | Chateaugay | Braulio Baeza | James Conway | 2:30.20 |
| 1962 | Jaipur | Bill Shoemaker | Bert Mulholland | 2:28.80 |
| 1961 | Sherluck | Braulio Baeza | Harold Young | 2:29.20 |
| 1960 | Celtic Ash | Bill Hartack | Tom Barry | 2:29.20 |
| 1959 | Sword Dancer | Bill Shoemaker | Elliott Burch | 2:28.40 |
| 1958 | Cavan | Pete Anderson | Tom Barry | 2:30.20 |
| 1957 | Gallant Man | Bill Shoemaker | John Nerud | 2:26.60 |
| 1956 | Needles | David Erb | Hugh Fontaine | 2:29.80 |
| 1955 | Nashua | Eddie Arcaro | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:29.00 |
| 1954 | High Gun | Eric Guerin | Max Hirsch | 2:30.80 |
| 1953 | Native Dancer | Eric Guerin | Bill Winfrey | 2:28.60 |
| 1952 | One Count | Eddie Arcaro | Oscar White | 2:30.20 |
| 1951 | Counterpoint | David Gorman | Syl Veitch | 2:29.00 |
| 1950 | Middleground | William Boland | Max Hirsch | 2:28.60 |
| 1949 | Capot | Ted Atkinson | John M. Gaver | 2:30.20 |
| 1948 | Citation | Eddie Arcaro | Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones | 2:28.20 |
| 1947 | Phalanx | R. Donoso | Syl Veitch | 2:29.40 |
| 1946 | Assault | Warren Mehrtens | Max Hirsch | 2:30.80 |
| 1945 | Pavot | Eddie Arcaro | Oscar White | 2.30.20 |
| 1944 | Bounding Home | G.L. Smith | Matt Brady | 2:32.20 |
| 1943 | Count Fleet | Johnny Longden | Don Cameron | 2:28.20 |
| 1942 | Shut Out | Eddie Arcaro | John M. Gaver | 2:29.20 |
| 1941 | Whirlaway | Eddie Arcaro | Ben A. Jones | 2:31.00 |
| 1940 | Bimelech | Fred A. Smith | Bill Hurley | 2:29.60 |
| 1939 | Johnstown | James Stout | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:29.60 |
| 1938 | Pasteurized | James Stout | George Odom | 2:29.40 |
| 1937 | War Admiral | Charley Kurtsinger | George Conway | 2:28.60 |
| 1936 | Granville | James Stout | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:30.00 |
| 1935 | Omaha | Willie Saunders | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:30.60 |
| 1934 | Peace Chance | W.D. Wright | Pete Coyne | 2:29.20 |
| 1933 | Hurryoff | Mack Garner | Henry McDaniel | 2:32.60 |
| 1932 | Faireno | Tom Malley | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:32.80 |
| 1931 | Twenty Grand | Charley Kurtsinger | James Rowe, Jr. | 2:29.60 |
| 1930 | Gallant Fox | Earl Sande | Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons | 2:31.60 |
| 1929 | Blue Larkspur | Mack Garner | Henry J. "Dick" Thompson | 2:32.80 |
| 1928 | Vito | Clarence Kummer | Max Hirsch | 2:33.20 |
| 1927 | Chance Shot | Earl Sande | Pete Coyne | 2:32.40 |
| 1926 | Crusader | Albert Johnson | George Conway | 2:32.20 |
| 1925 | American Flag | Albert Johnson | G.R. Tompkins | 2:16.80 |
| 1924 | Mad Play | Earl Sande | Sam Hildreth | 2:18.80 |
| 1923 | Zev | Earl Sande | Sam Hildreth | 2:19.00 |
| 1922 | Pillory | C.H. Miller | Thomas J. Healey | 2:18.80 |
| 1921 | Grey Lag | Earl Sande | Sam Hildreth | 2:16.80 |
| 1919 | Sir Barton | Johnny Loftus | H. Guy Bedwell | 2:17.40 |
| 1918 | Johren | Frank Robinson | Albert Simons | 2:20.40 |
| 1917 | Hourless | James Butwell | Sam Hildreth | 2:17.80 |
| 1916 | Friar Rock | E. Haynes | Sam Hildreth | 2:22.00 |
| 1915 | The Finn | George Byrne | E.W. Heffner | 2:18.40 |
| 1914 | Luke Mcluke | Merritt Buxton | J.F. Schorr | 2:20.00 |
| 1913 | Prince Eugene | Roscoe Troxler | James Rowe, Sr. | 2:18.00 |
| 1910 | Sweep | James Butwell | James Rowe, Sr. | 2:22.00 |
| 1909 | Joe Madden | Eddie Dugan | Sam Hildreth | 2:21.60 |
| 1908 | Colin | Joe Notter | James Rowe, Sr. | N/A |
| 1907 | Peter Pan | G. Mountain | James Rowe, Sr. | N/A |
| 1906 | Burgomaster | Lucien Lyne | John W. Rogers | 2:20.00 |
| 1905 | Tanya | E. Hildebrand | John W. Rogers | 2:08.00 |
| 1904 | Delhi | George Odom | James Rowe, Sr. | 2:06.60 |
| 1903 | Africander | John Bullman | R. Miller | 2:21.75 |
| 1902 | Masterman | John Bullman | John J. Hyland | 2:22.60 |
| 1901 | Commando | H. Spencer | James Rowe, Sr. | 2:21.00 |
| 1900 | Ildrim | Nash Turner | H. Eugene Leigh | 2:21.25 |
| 1899 | Jean Beraud | R. Clawson | Sam Hildreth | 2:23.00 |
| 1898 | Bowling Brook | Fred Littlefield | Robert W. Walden | 2:32.00 |
| 1897 | Scottish Chieftain | J. Scherrer | Matt Byrnes | 2:23.25 |
| 1896 | Hastings | Henry Griffin | John J. Hyland | 2:24.50 |
| 1895 | Belmar | Fred Taral | E. Feakes | 2:11.50 |
| 1894 | Henry Of Navarre | Willie Simms | Byron McClelland | 1:56.50 |
| 1893 | Commanche | Willie Simms | Gus Hannon | 1:53.25 |
| 1892 | Patron | W. Hayward | Lewis Stuart | 2:12.00 |
| 1891 | Foxford | Ed Garrison | M. Donavan | 2:08.75 |
| 1890 | Burlington | Pike Barnes | Albert Cooper | 2:07.75 |
| 1889 | Eric | W. Hayward | John Huggins | 2:47.25 |
| 1888 | Sir Dixon | Jim McLaughlin | Frank McCabe | 2:40.25 |
| 1887 | Hanover | Jim McLaughlin | Frank McCabe | 2:43.50 |
| 1886 | Inspector B | Jim McLaughlin | Frank McCabe | 2:41.00 |
| 1885 | Tyrant | Paul Duffy | W. Claypool | 2:43.00 |
| 1884 | Panique | Jim McLaughlin | James Rowe, Sr. | 2:42.00 |
| 1883 | George Kinney | Jim McLaughlin | James Rowe, Sr. | 2:42.50 |
| 1882 | Forester | Jim McLaughlin | Lewis Stuart | 2:43.00 |
| 1881 | Saunterer | T. Costello | Robert W. Walden | 2:47.00 |
| 1880 | Grenada | Lloyd Hughes | Robert W. Walden | 2:47.00 |
| 1879 | Spendthrift | George Evans | Thomas Puryear | 2:42.75 |
| 1878 | Duke of Magenta | C. Holloway | Robert W. Walden | 2:43.50 |
| 1877 | Cloverbrook | C. Holloway | Jeter Walden | 2:46.00 |
| 1876 | Algerine | Billy Donohue | Major Doswell | 2:40.50 |
| 1875 | Calvin | Bobby Swim | Ansel Williamson | 2:42.25 |
| 1874 | Saxon | George Barbee | W. Prior | 2:39.50 |
| 1873 | Springbok | James Rowe, Sr. | David McDaniel | 3:01.75 |
| 1872 | Joe Daniels | James Rowe, Sr. | David McDaniel | 2:58.25 |
| 1871 | Harry Bassett | W. Miller | David McDaniel | 2:56.00 |
| 1870 | Kingfisher | Ed Brown (aka "Dick") | Rollie Colston | 2:59.50 |
| 1869 | Fenian | C. Miller | J. Pincus | 3:04.25 |
| 1868 | General Duke | Bobby Swim | A. Thompson | 3:02.00 |
| 1867 | Ruthless | Gilbert Patrick | A.J. Minor | 3:05 |
BUSR is built for serious Belmont bettors. From locking in fixed-odds prices days before post time to placing a $0.10 Superfecta on race day, everything you need is in one place -- with same-day payouts and no download required.
| Fixed Odds | Lock in your price before post time. The odds you bet are the odds you get paid -- no tote fluctuation, no surprises. |
|---|---|
| Full Exotics | Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Pick 3/4/5/6 -- every wager type available in one platform. |
| Belmont Futures | Bet the Belmont winner now at today's prices. Lock in value before declarations, and the post-position draw compresses the market. |
| Fast Payouts | 24-hour Bitcoin payouts. Crypto-friendly deposits. Winnings in your account the same day you collect. |
| Racebook Rebate | Industry-leading 10% Racebook rebate. More tracks than anyone. Every race, every day. |
| No Download | Bet from your browser on desktop or mobile. No app required -- full wagering capability on race day from anywhere. |
With the strategy framework above in place, here is where US Racing's handicappers are putting their money. These are actionable bets, not just analysis.
| US Racing Expert Analysis - 2026 Belmont Stakes |
|---|
| [SOLID BET] Renegade (Todd Pletcher / Irad Ortiz Jr.): The Kentucky Derby runner-up bypassed the Preakness and arrives at Saratoga with the same freshness advantage as Golden Tempo. Pletcher is a four-time Belmont winner with a superb Saratoga record, and Irad Ortiz Jr. is among the most accomplished Belmont riders in the country. At a likely significant overlay to Golden Tempo's short price, Renegade represents the best Win value in the 2026 Belmont. Rail post position 1 is ideal for a closing style at Saratoga's one-turn layout. Back him for Win and use him alongside Golden Tempo in Exacta and Trifecta part-wheels. |
| [VALUE PLAY] Grown Equity (Chad Brown / Manny Franco): The Peter Pan Stakes winner is the most overlooked horse in the 2026 Belmont. Brown has won the Belmont with Peter Pan horses and points Grown Equity at Saratoga after bypassing both Derby and Preakness -- the most targeted, rested approach in the field. A Nyquist colt with stamina breeding, a winning prep at the traditional Belmont distance prep, and a trainer who peaks horses for exactly this race. At a generous price against the Triple Crown narrative, Grown Equity is the primary longshot Win value and an automatic inclusion in every Trifecta and Superfecta ticket. |
| [CONTENDER] Napoleon Solo (Chad Summers / Paco Lopez): The Preakness winner must prove his form translates to the full 1 1/4-mile Belmont distance from a wide post. His 105 Equibase figure at Laurel Park is the second-best number in the field, and Chad Summers has managed him well throughout the Triple Crown calendar. Use him in all exotic combinations as a second-choice Win contender. |
| [SPECULATIVE] Commandment (Brad Cox / Luis Saez): Brad Cox's pacesetter is the most dangerous tactical horse in the 2026 Belmont. In a field heavy with closers, a horse that controls the early fractions from post 5 could steal the race at a significant price. Cox won the Belmont with Essential Quality (2021). Include Commandment in all Trifecta and Superfecta tickets as a pace-controlling wild card. |
Belmont Day at Saratoga is one of the highest-profile betting events in American horse racing. Here is how to navigate the day.
| Time (ET) | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM ET | Early pools open. Morning line released. Check Saratoga Race Course's official weather and track condition report -- sloppy or muddy conditions dramatically change betting strategy. |
| 9 AM - 12 PM | Supporting undercard races begin. Review final jockey assignments, equipment changes, and late scratch reports posted at Saratoga. |
| 12 PM - 6 PM | Multi-race sequence legs begin. Pick 6, Pick 5, and Pick 4 pools open. Place your multi-race tickets before the first leg of your sequence -- you cannot add after racing starts. |
| 6:00 PM | Belmont Stakes odds firm. Last window to buy fixed-odds on BUSR or adjust Win/Exacta exposure. |
| 6:30 PM | Horses enter the paddock. Watch for equipment changes (blinkers, tongue ties) -- late additions signal the trainer's intentions heading to the post. |
| 6:49 PM | Post time. Gates open. Saratoga pari-mutuel pools close. BUSR fixed-odds positions are locked from the moment you bet. |
| 6:51 PM | Race runs in approximately 2:01-2:03. Watch live free on BUSR -- stream unlocks under your bet slip once your Belmont wager is placed. Results official within minutes; payouts credited instantly. |
Q: When is the 2026 Belmont Stakes, and what time does it start?
A: The 158th Belmont Stakes runs on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Post time is approximately 6:49 PM ET. The race is contested at 1 1/4 miles on the main dirt track. The total purse is $2 million, with $1.2 million awarded to the winner.
Q: Who is the 2026 Belmont Stakes favorite?
A: Golden Tempo, the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner, is expected to be the Belmont favorite after bypassing the Preakness Stakes to target the classic 1 1/4-mile distance fresh. Official morning line odds will be released following the post-position draw on Monday, June 1st.
Q: Is Golden Tempo trying for the Triple Crown?
A: No. Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness Stakes, so a Triple Crown is not possible in 2026. The Belmont is a straight contest between the Derby winner, the Preakness winner Napoleon Solo, and the full field of 12 starters.
Q: Who won the 2026 Preakness Stakes?
A: Napoleon Solo, trained by Chad Summers and ridden by Paco Lopez, won the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026.
Q: How do I bet on the Belmont Stakes online?
A: Create an account at BUSR, fund it, navigate to the Saratoga Race Course June 6 race card, select the Belmont Stakes, choose your bet type (Win, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, etc.), enter your stake, and confirm. BUSR offers both pari-mutuel tote wagering and fixed-odds win betting. Minimum wagers start at $1 for straight bets and $0.10 for Superfecta combinations.
Q: What is the best bet for the Belmont Stakes?
A: For most bettors, the best risk/reward combination is a Win bet on Renegade (Kentucky Derby runner-up, Pletcher, fresh), backed by an Exacta combining Golden Tempo and Renegade, and a $0.10 Superfecta box covering 4-5 horses including Grown Equity and Commandment. This structure captures the narrative while preserving upside if Golden Tempo is upset at a short price.
Q: What is the minimum bet for the Belmont Stakes?
A: The minimum Win/Place/Show bet at BUSR Racebook is $1. The Exacta minimum is $1. The Superfecta minimum is $0.10. Multi-race minimums (Pick 3, 4, 5, 6) range from $0.50 to $2 per combination.
Q: Should I bet Golden Tempo to Win?
A: If Golden Tempo is sent off at odds-on (below even money), the Win pool offers minimal value -- the risk/reward is too compressed. The optimal approach is to use Golden Tempo as an anchor in Exacta and Trifecta tickets while directing straight Win bets to overlays like Renegade and Grown Equity. If he drifts to 2/1 or better, a modest Win bet becomes justified.
Q: What is the advantage of the Peter Pan prep for the Belmont?
A: The Peter Pan Stakes is historically the most successful prep route to the Belmont Stakes, run at Saratoga at 1 1/8 miles. Chad Brown has used this path to win the Belmont multiple times. Grown Equity, the 2026 Peter Pan winner, arrives fresh, distance-tested, and trained by the master of the Belmont prep cycle.
Q: What happened in recent Belmont Stakes exacta and superfecta payouts?
A: Recent Belmont exotic payouts illustrate consistent payout potential. In 2024, the $1 Superfecta paid over $1,000 when 17/1 shot Dornoch won. In 2019, the $1 Superfecta paid over $2,000 when 46/1 Sir Winston won. The Belmont has a history of producing significant exotic payouts when the favorite is upset -- a scenario worth structuring for in 2026 with Golden Tempo at a short price.
From a $1 Win bet on Renegade to a fixed-odds futures wager locked in today -- BUSR has every Belmont Stakes wager available. Odds are moving now. Do not wait for the post-position draw to act.
When is the Belmont Stakes?
The Belmont Stakes is on June 6
Where can I bet on the Belmont Stakes?
At BUSR: Odds are Live!
What channel is the Belmont Stakes on?
Watch the Belmont Stakes live on TV with NBC at 5:00 pm EST
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