As the final leg of the prestigious American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes stands as a defining test in thoroughbred racing.
Scheduled for June 7, 2025, the same day as our own Epsom Derby, the 157th edition promises high-stakes drama, especially with a potential rematch unfolding at a temporary venue. Due to renovations at Belmont Park, the race once again moves to Saratoga Race Course—bringing with it a shorter distance and added uncertainty. This historic event, steeped in tradition and star power, draws attention from racing fans across the globe, including an enthusiastic audience in the United Kingdom.
America’s oldest Classic
Known affectionately as the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont boasts the longest history among the three American Triple Crown events. It first took place in 1867, making it 157 years old in 2025, compared to the Kentucky Derby’s 151st running and the Preakness Stakes’ 150th running.
This enduring legacy places it among the oldest stakes races on the continent; for instance, the Travers Stakes at Saratoga began just three years prior in 1864. The race’s deep roots contribute to its significant standing in the sport.
Saratoga’s unique challenge and distance alteration
For the second consecutive year, the Belmont Stakes is being hosted away from its traditional home at Belmont Park due to ongoing renovations at that facility. The historic Saratoga Race Course serves as the temporary location for the 2025 running.
This shift necessitates a change in the race distance from its famed 1 1/2 miles – a length that could only be accommodated by Belmont Park’s large oval – to 1 1/4 miles, matching the distance of the Kentucky Derby and Saratoga’s own signature Travers Stakes.
This revised distance, coupled with a substantial $2 million purse, alters the strategic demands on contenders and connections alike and is expected to have a significant impact on Belmont Stakes betting odds. The first Belmont Stakes, by comparison, featured a $2,500 purse, about $54,000 in today’s money.
A Field teaming with talent and storylines
The lineup for the 2025 Belmont is expected to feature some of the top three-year-old horses in training, highlighted by the possibility of a compelling rematch between Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness victor Journalism.
Baeza waiting in the shadows
Baeza, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, is also an anticipated runner, potentially playing a spoiler role in the expected showdown. Historically, the betting favourite has a reasonable success rate, winning about 42% of the runnings (66 out of 156 races).
Sovereignty’s strategic path
Trained by Bill Mott, Sovereignty arrives at the Belmont well-rested after capturing the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, and subsequently skipping the Preakness Stakes. This five-week break is a deliberate tactic by his connections, Godolphin, aimed at maximizing the colt’s performance potential over the 1 1/4-mile distance.
His pedigree, being sired by Into Mischief and out of the stamina-laden Bernardini mare Crowned, suggests an aptitude for this trip. A recent workout covering four furlongs in under 50 seconds indicates he is in peak condition.
Journalism’s resilient campaign
Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, showed immense courage in the Preakness Stakes.
Just two weeks after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, he returned to go one better with a determined performance. Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, he overcame traffic trouble in the Preakness stretch to rally powerfully.
While his pedigree through sire Curlin suggests he can handle 1 1/4 miles, running three demanding races in five weeks represents a significant challenge. Trainer McCarthy is still evaluating the colt’s condition to confirm his participation, which would make him a top betting choice.
Pedigree, Preparation & Choice
Success in the Belmont Stakes often hinges on a horse’s pedigree providing the necessary stamina for the distance and smart preparation by the training team. Horses rested since the Kentucky Derby, like Sovereignty and Baeza, hold a potential advantage over those competing in all three Triple Crown events. this is one reason why US Triple Crown winners are as rare as hens’ teeth.
Baeza is a half-brother to recent Kentucky Derby and Belmont winners, making him one to watch.
His pedigree is well-suited for the distance, blending McKinzie’s lineage with the stamina influence of Big Brown through his dam, Puca. Noted trainers like Todd Pletcher, who has four Belmont victories, understand the unique demands of this race.
A field rich in talent
Beyond the top contenders, several other promising horses are under consideration for the Belmont, adding depth and complexity to the race. Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, is aiming to return after missing the earlier Triple Crown races due to a foot issue, bringing intriguing early speed based on his Wood Memorial victory. Chad Brown’s Hill Road earned his spot with a strong closing performance to win the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes, a traditional stepping-stone to the Belmont.
Heart of Honor, an English-bred colt who competed in the UAE Derby before running in the Preakness, represents an international dimension to the potential field. Adding to the intrigue, twenty previous Belmont Stakes winners have had names starting with the letter ‘C’, while eighteen have started with ‘S’.
Some potential contenders carry fascinating family histories that resonate within the sport. The dam Puca, for example, is on the verge of achieving rare distinction. Her son Baeza could potentially emulate his half-sibling Dornoch, who won the Belmont Stakes just a year prior.
This accomplishment would see Puca join Better Than Honour as the only mares to produce back-to-back winners of this classic race. Puca also produced 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, highlighting her exceptional success as a broodmare with multiple Triple Crown race winners.
Navigating the Saratoga challenge
The 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga promises a captivating conclusion to the Triple Crown season, featuring a blend of speed and stamina over the altered 1 1/4-mile course.
Racing fans should consider how the temporary venue and distance change might influence race dynamics, potentially favoring tactical speed and horses with sufficient rest.
Understanding the pedigrees of the runners, their recent form, and how they handled previous Triple Crown races provides valuable insight into who might thrive under the unique conditions presented at Saratoga.
You can watch the Belmont live on Sky Sports TV. Sky Sports Racing TV channel for those who subscribe to Sky Sports normally costs £22 per month with a 24-month minimum term, alongside a new 24-month Sky TV contract.
