The 157th Belmont Stakes takes place today, June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course, marking the second consecutive year the event is held here due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. This year’s race features a competitive field of eight three-year-olds vying for the $2 million purse over a distance of 1¼ miles.
Belmont Stakes Top Contenders
Journalism (8-5)
The Preakness Stakes winner enters as the morning-line favorite. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism has demonstrated adaptability and resilience. However, this will be his third race in five weeks, raising concerns about potential fatigue.
Sovereignty (2-1)
The Kentucky Derby champion, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, skipped the Preakness to rest. His fresh condition could be advantageous, especially if the race develops a slower pace.
Baeza (4-1)
After finishing third in the Derby and bypassing the Preakness, Baeza returns well-rested. Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Flavien Prat, Baeza boasts strong lineage and improving speed figures, making him a formidable contender.
Value Plays
Rodriguez (6-1)
Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike E. Smith, Rodriguez brings tactical speed to the race. His performance will depend on how he handles the pace and whether he can capitalize on his front-running style.
Crudo (15-1)
Owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay and trained by Todd Pletcher, Crudo impressed with a dominant win in the Sir Barton Stakes. His pedigree and recent form suggest he could be a live longshot.
Hill Road (10-1)
Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Hill Road showed promise with a win in the Peter Pan Stakes. As a closer, he would benefit from a fast early pace to enhance his chances.
Betting Strategy
Given the small field and presence of strong favorites, exotic bets like exactas and trifectas offer potential value. Consider combinations that include Journalism, Sovereignty, and Baeza, while incorporating value plays like Rodriguez and Crudo for higher payouts.
Belmont Stakes Final Picks
Win: Baeza
Place: Sovereignty
Show: Rodriguez
Baeza’s combination of rest, pedigree, and improving form positions him well for a victory. Sovereignty’s class and freshness make him a strong contender, while Rodriguez’s speed could secure him a spot in the top three.