The Belmont Stakes isn’t just the final leg of the Triple Crown—it’s the ultimate test of a Thoroughbred’s staying power, training, and mental grit. Scheduled at Saratoga Race Course in 2025 due to continuing renovations at Belmont Park, the race still carries the same weight: it’s where great horses either seal their legacy or fall just short.
For racing fans, understanding the unique challenges of this race—and how it differs from the Derby and Preakness—is essential for appreciating Belmont’s big picture.
This guide breaks it all down. From how the race is set up, to what strategies matter most, to what punters can realistically expect on race day.
What Makes the Belmont Stakes Different?
Traditionally known as “The Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes is famous for its distance. In most years, it runs at 1½ miles—longer than both the Derby (1¼ miles) and the Preakness (1 3/16 miles). That extra stretch can make or break a horse. In 2025, the Belmont will instead run at 1¼ miles at Saratoga due to venue changes, but the prestige and challenge remain.
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced post times for the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at historic Saratoga Race Course from Wednesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 8⤵️https://t.co/kGZcLdSLjk
— NYRA (🗽) (@TheNYRA) May 23, 2025
Why does the distance matter? Because it forces trainers to condition their horses differently. It’s no longer just about speed—it’s about endurance, pacing, and race awareness. Jockeys can’t go too fast too early, or they risk gassing out in the final furlongs. But wait too long to move, and someone else might steal the lead. It’s a delicate balance.
The track layout also plays its part in making Saratoga a challenge. The sweeping turns at Belmont (or Saratoga in this case) mean horses need to maintain rhythm and avoid getting trapped wide. Inexperienced riders can get caught off pace – and it happens more often than you’d think.
Format and Entry: How It Works
The Belmont typically hosts a smaller field than the Derby—usually between 8 and 12 horses. This means cleaner trips, fewer traffic issues, and more room for tactical racing.
Here’s what else makes it unique:
- Timing: It comes three weeks after the Preakness and five after the Derby. That gives horses some recovery—but not much
- Qualifying: Horses qualify either by earnings, points earned in prep races, or by special invitation
- Triple Crown Implications: If the same horse has already won the Derby and Preakness, Belmont becomes historic. But even if no Triple Crown is on the line, the Belmont still draws top talent and deep fields
For fans, it’s a chance to watch proven contenders square off one last time before summer. Some of these contenders may be gunning for revenge after falling short in the Derby or Preakness. Others are fresh legs who skipped earlier races just for this. Still others are in it for the glory of becoming a Belmont winner. In short, there’s a lot on the line.
Strategy from a Bettor’s Viewpoint
Betting the Belmont takes a different mindset. You’re not just handicapping speed—you’re assessing stamina, trainer intent, and how the pace might unfold over this year’s shortened run.
Key betting angles to consider:
- Pedigree matters: Look at the bloodlines. Does the horse come from stayers? Can its sire or dam handle longer distances?
- Trainer patterns: Some trainers prep their horses specifically for the Belmont. Using this approach Todd Pletcher and Brad Cox have had success with fresh entries focused on this race
- Jockey experience: Big-stage composure is crucial. Some riders just handle the heat better—especially over longer races with more tactical decisions
If you’re new to race betting and want to learn how the distance, pace, and form interact, there are plenty of resources on trusted platforms explaining how to bet on Belmont Stakes. These resources help punters understand each wager type—like exactas, trifectas, or place bets—and when each might make sense.
Smart punters also spread their bets to account for uncertainty. A race like this often delivers surprises.
What to Watch for on Race Day
If you’re tuning in live (or heading to Saratoga), the energy on Belmont Day is electric—even without a Triple Crown on the line.
Here’s what you’ll want to focus on:
- The undercard: Belmont Day isn’t just about the main event. It features top-class Grade I races stacked with elite horses across all divisions. It’s a full day of action
- Late odds movement: Watch how the tote board shifts in the final minutes before post time. That late money often signals sharp takes
- Post position draws: For most of the field, post position doesn’t matter too much at 1¼ miles. But for horses needing early positioning, an outside gate can complicate things
Weather and track conditions also play a big role. A sloppy or sealed track can change how a race unfolds. Some horses love the mud. Others don’t.
Who Typically Wins It?
Historically, Belmont winners fall into the following categories:
- Horses who didn’t run in the Derby or Preakness but have fresh legs
- Horses who ran well but didn’t win either of the first two legs
- Horses with a proven late kick and solid staying power
Think of recent winners like Mo Donegal or Sir Winston—not always flashy, but tactically strong and perfectly suited to the race’s demands. That’s the type of runner who can cruise past tiring horses in the stretch.
Also, don’t count out upsets. While favourites win a fair share, prices on longshots tend to be generous at Belmont. That’s especially true when the pace breaks down or a top horse underperforms.
Why the Belmont Still Captivates
Even when a Triple Crown isn’t on the line, the Belmont Stakes is a perfect closer to the spring racing season. It brings together the best of what fans love—strategy, endurance, and the unpredictability that only horse racing can deliver.
For seasoned fans, it’s a chance to see how the next generation stacks up. For newer punters, it’s a lesson in patience, planning, and smart analysis. For anyone just looking to enjoy the sport, the race delivers drama and storylines no matter what the year.
It’s not just a race—it’s a test. And those who pass it? They earn their spot in racing history.
