The 2025 Belmont Stakes is set to captivate the horse racing world on Saturday, June 7, as the final leg of the Triple Crown unfolds at Saratoga Race Course. While there will be no Triple Crown winner this year, the event has generated intense excitement thanks to a high-stakes rematch between Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty and Preakness winner Journalism. With post time scheduled for 7:04 p.m. ET and a $2 million purse on the line, all eyes are on Saratoga for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to this year’s classic series.
2025 Belmont Stakes Field: The Horses, Jockeys, and Odds
This year’s Belmont Stakes features a competitive field of eight horses, each with a compelling story and a shot at glory. The draw, which took place on June 2, set the stage for Saturday’s showdown. Here’s a look at the contenders, their jockeys, and the latest morning line odds:
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hill Road | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | 10-1 |
| 2 | Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | 2-1 |
| 3 | Rodriguez | Mike Smith | 6-1 |
| 4 | Uncaged | Luis Saez | 30-1 |
| 5 | Crudo | John Velazquez | 15-1 |
| 6 | Baeza | Flavien Prat | 4-1 |
| 7 | Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | 8-5 |
| 8 | Heart of Honor | Saffie Osborne | 30-1 |
Journalism, the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races this year, comes in as the 8-5 favorite after a thrilling come-from-behind victory at Pimlico. Sovereignty, who skipped the Preakness after winning the Kentucky Derby, is well-rested and sits close behind at 2-1. Baeza, third in the Derby, is next at 4-1, while Rodriguez (6-1) returns after missing the Derby due to a foot issue. Hill Road, Crudo, Heart of Honor, and Uncaged round out the field, each hoping to upset the favorites.
2025 Belmont Stakes: Rivalry Renewed and Race Dynamics
The spotlight of the 2025 Belmont Stakes shines brightest on the rivalry between Sovereignty and Journalism. Their duel at the Kentucky Derby saw Sovereignty edge out Journalism, but Journalism rebounded with a Preakness win after Sovereignty’s absence. Saturday’s race is their long-awaited rematch, and the anticipation is palpable among fans and experts alike.
Adding to the intrigue, the Belmont Stakes will once again be held at Saratoga Race Course due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. This change brings a shorter distance—1.25 miles instead of the traditional 1.5—making the race more unpredictable and potentially favoring horses with tactical speed over pure stamina.
The field’s depth ensures that the 2025 Belmont Stakes is not just a two-horse race. Baeza, with Flavien Prat aboard, has shown consistency at the highest level. Rodriguez, under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, could surprise if fully recovered. Longshots like Hill Road and Crudo are drawing attention from seasoned handicappers looking for value plays, while Heart of Honor and Uncaged aim to shake up the leaderboard.
Expert Insights and Betting Angles for the 2025 Belmont Stakes
Top horse racing analysts and handicappers have weighed in on the 2025 Belmont Stakes, and the consensus is far from unanimous. While Journalism and Sovereignty dominate the headlines, several experts are looking beyond the favorites for betting value.
- Jody Demling, renowned for his accuracy in recent Triple Crown races, is high on a contender outside the top two. His picks have consistently delivered profits for followers in the Derby and Preakness.
- Gene Menez, who made significant gains on Derby day, believes that betting against Sovereignty could yield strong returns, highlighting the unpredictability of this year’s field.
- The CBS Sports and SportsLine expert panel, comprising 15 analysts, unanimously picked against Derby winner Sovereignty, underscoring the wide-open nature of the race.
With the Belmont Stakes’ unique distance and Saratoga’s storied surface, strategies will play a crucial role. Horses that can settle early and unleash a strong late kick could have the advantage, especially if the pace heats up up front.
How to Watch and What to Expect at the 2025 Belmont Stakes
Fans can catch all the action live on FOX, the FOX Sports app, and FoxSports.com, with coverage beginning well ahead of the 7:04 p.m. ET post time. The $2 million purse ensures that every jockey and trainer will be giving their all, and the winner will secure a place in racing history.
As the 2025 Belmont Stakes approaches, the anticipation is at fever pitch. Will Journalism avenge his Derby defeat and claim a second Triple Crown jewel? Can Sovereignty cement his legacy with another classic win? Or will a dark horse emerge to steal the spotlight at Saratoga?
Don’t miss the drama, the rivalries, and the crowning moment of the 2025 Belmont Stakes. Place your bets, tune in, and witness history in the making.
Join the conversation—share your predictions for the 2025 Belmont Stakes and tell us which horse you’re backing to win the “Test of the Champion”!