The excitement is building for the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. As the final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes continues to attract some of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in North America.
For the third consecutive year, the race will be held at Saratoga Race Course while construction work continues at Belmont Park. The 2026 edition will be contested over 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on a dirt surface, creating an exciting challenge for a talented field of nine horses.
Belmont Stakes 2026 Race Information
| Race | Belmont Stakes 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | June 6, 2026 |
| Venue | Saratoga Race Course |
| Location | Saratoga Springs, New York |
| Distance | 1¼ Miles (10 Furlongs) |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Edition | 158th Running |
The Belmont Stakes has a rich history dating back to 1867 and remains one of the most anticipated horse racing events in the United States. This year’s field features several promising contenders with championship aspirations.
Belmont Stakes 2026 Entries and Morning Line Odds
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vitruvian Man | Antonio Fresu | Doug O’Neill | 30-1 |
| 2 | Powershift | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | 12-1 |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | 3-1 |
| 4 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | 2-1 |
| 5 | Ottinho | Dylan Davis | Chad C. Brown | 20-1 |
| 6 | Growth Equity | Manuel Franco | Chad C. Brown | 12-1 |
| 7 | Commandment | John R. Velazquez | Brad H. Cox | 6-1 |
| 8 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | 6-1 |
| 9 | Golden Tempo | José Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux | 9-2 |
Belmont Stakes 2026 Post Positions
The official post positions for the 2026 Belmont Stakes have been drawn, setting the stage for an intriguing battle at Saratoga.
- Post 1 – Vitruvian Man
- Post 2 – Powershift
- Post 3 – Chief Wallabee
- Post 4 – Renegade
- Post 5 – Ottinho
- Post 6 – Growth Equity
- Post 7 – Commandment
- Post 8 – Emerging Market
- Post 9 – Golden Tempo
Top Horses to Watch
Renegade enters the race as the 2-1 morning-line favorite and will break from post position four. With leading jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher overseeing preparations, Renegade is expected to attract significant betting interest.
Chief Wallabee is another major contender at 3-1 odds. Trained by William Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, the colt has demonstrated consistency and stamina leading into the Belmont Stakes.
Meanwhile, Golden Tempo offers value at 9-2 odds from the outside post. The Cherie DeVaux-trained runner could become a serious threat if able to secure a favorable early position.
Final Thoughts
The Belmont Stakes 2026 promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in Triple Crown history. With a competitive nine-horse field, accomplished jockeys, and several talented contenders, racing fans can expect an exciting showdown at Saratoga Race Course. Whether Renegade lives up to favorite status or a longshot emerges victorious, the final jewel of the Triple Crown is set to provide unforgettable drama on June 6.