2025 Belmont Stakes Horses

The stage is set for the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes, taking place this Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, this year’s “Test of the Champion” will be contested at a distance of 1 1/4 miles, a quarter-mile shorter than its traditional length, adding a new strategic dimension to the final jewel of the Triple Crown.

With a lucrative $2 million purse on the line, the eight-horse field features a captivating rematch between the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, and the Preakness Stakes victor, Journalism, promising a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Triple Crown series.

Here’s a detailed look at each of the contenders, including their post positions, morning-line odds, key connections, and insights into their chances:

The Contenders 2025 Belmont Stakes :

1. Hill Road

• Morning-Line Odds: 10-1
• Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
• Trainer: Chad Brown
• Outlook: Hill Road is a deep closer who broke his maiden and then immediately stepped into graded stakes company, finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at long odds. Under the astute guidance of Chad Brown and with leading jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, he comes into the Belmont off a strong win in the Peter Pan Stakes (G3). While the shorter distance at Saratoga might not favor his deep closing style as much as the traditional 1 1/2 miles, his talent and connections make him a legitimate contender for a share of the purse, especially if the pace ahead of him is hot. His rail draw (Post 1) could offer a ground-saving trip.

2. Sovereignty

• Morning-Line Odds: 2-1
• Jockey: Junior Alvarado
• Trainer: Bill Mott
• Outlook: The Kentucky Derby winner returns to the Triple Crown series after skipping the Preakness, ensuring he’s fresh for this challenge. Sovereignty displayed remarkable closing power in the Derby, navigating traffic and rallying impressively to capture the first leg of the Triple Crown. His class is undeniable, and trainer Bill Mott is known for having his horses prepared. The five-week layoff should serve him well, allowing him to recover from the grueling Derby effort. While Saratoga’s slightly tighter turns and shorter distance could be a factor for a deep closer, his sheer talent and ability to handle various track conditions make him a major threat.

3. Rodriguez

• Morning-Line Odds: 6-1
• Jockey: Mike Smith
• Trainer: Bob Baffert
• Outlook: Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert and ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, Rodriguez is a formidable presence. He won the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) in wire-to-wire fashion, earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby before being scratched due to a foot issue. That injury appears to be behind him, and he comes into the Belmont well-rested. Rodriguez possesses early speed, which could be an asset at Saratoga’s shorter 1 1/4-mile distance. If he can secure an uncontested lead or set a reasonable pace, he could be very dangerous and represents a live longshot pick for many experts.

4. Uncaged

• Morning-Line Odds: 30-1
• Jockey: Luis Saez
• Trainer: Todd Pletcher
• Outlook: One of the longest shots on the board, Uncaged will be making his second graded stakes appearance after a distant sixth-place finish in the Peter Pan Stakes (G3). While connections might be hoping he benefits from the experience, he will need to show significant improvement to factor against this caliber of competition. He has shown ability on wet tracks, which could be a factor if rain impacts Saratoga on race day.

5. Crudo

• Morning-Line Odds: 15-1
• Jockey: John Velazquez
• Trainer: Todd Pletcher
• Outlook: Another of Todd Pletcher’s entrants, Crudo is a speedy colt who hasn’t been headed in his last two starts, including a win in the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico on Preakness Day. He’s making a significant step up in class to Grade 1 company here. While his early speed could challenge Rodriguez for the lead, sustaining that pace against top-tier rivals over 1 1/4 miles will be a stern test. He may serve as a pace factor that helps set up closers.

6. Baeza

• Morning-Line Odds: 4-1
• Jockey: Flavien Prat
• Trainer: John Shirreffs
• Outlook: Baeza finished a strong third in the Kentucky Derby, closing with purpose in the stretch. He also ran second to Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) earlier in the year. Like Sovereignty, Baeza skipped the Preakness and comes into the Belmont well-rested. His consistent form and the fact that he was closing fastest of all in the Derby make him a serious contender. Jockey Flavien Prat is a highly skilled rider, and Baeza could offer excellent value for bettors looking beyond the top two favorites.

7. Journalism

• Morning-Line Odds: 8-5
• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
• Trainer: Michael McCarthy
• Outlook: The Preakness Stakes winner enters as the morning-line favorite following his gutsy triumph at Pimlico. Journalism showed immense heart in the Preakness, battling between rivals and finding another gear in the final furlong. He also finished a close second to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby. The concern for some is that this will be his third start in five weeks, a demanding schedule for a young horse. However, his raw talent and proven ability at this distance make him the horse to beat. His outside post (Post 7) should allow him a clear run and the flexibility to stalk or press the pace.

8. Heart of Honor (GB)

• Morning-Line Odds: 30-1
• Jockey: Saffie Osborne
• Trainer: Jamie Osborne
• Outlook: This British-bred colt made his U.S. debut in the Preakness Stakes, finishing a distant fifth. While he has international experience, he’ll need to show significant improvement to compete with the top American 3-year-olds in this field. He is another longshot likely to be tested by the class of this race.

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The Race Dynamics and Betting Considerations 2025 Belmont Stakes :

The 2025 Belmont Stakes, at its temporary Saratoga home and shorter distance, presents a unique puzzle for handicappers.

• Pace Scenario: The presence of speed horses like Rodriguez and Crudo suggests there could be an honest pace, which would benefit the closers like Sovereignty, Hill Road, and Baeza. However, if either of the pace-setters gets a clear lead, they could prove tough to reel in over 1 1/4 miles.
• Distance Factor: The shorter distance (1 1/4 miles) generally favors horses with more tactical speed and those who can carry their speed. While still a test of stamina, it’s less grueling than the traditional 1 1/2 miles. This could slightly shift the advantage towards Preakness winner Journalism, who excelled at a similar distance.
• Track Condition: Saratoga is known for its fast surface, but any rain could introduce an “off” track, which might favor horses like Sovereignty and Uncaged, who have shown ability on wet surfaces.
• Expert Opinions: Many seasoned handicappers are keen on the rematch between Journalism and Sovereignty. However, value plays often emerge from the likes of Baeza (consistent, well-rested), Rodriguez (speed, Baffert/Smith connections), and Hill Road (improving form, strong connections).

As the horses load into the starting gate on Saturday, all eyes will be on this competitive field, as the 2025 Belmont Stakes prepares to crown its champion.

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