Belmont Stakes Betting: Updated Odds, Forecast, Horses, Jockeys
The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes is set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course. Due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, the race will be held at Saratoga for the second consecutive year. This year’s race features a competitive field of eight horses, including Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness Stakes winner Journalism. Understanding the latest Belmont Stakes odds is crucial for those seeking action on horse racing betting and setting the stage for an exciting rematch.
Saratoga Track Conditions and Weather Report
Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for this year’s Belmont Stakes. While there was some concern about morning showers earlier in the week, the updated forecast now shows steady improvement throughout the day. By late afternoon—especially around post time at 7:04 p.m. ET—conditions are expected to be dry and ideal for racing.
Weather Forecast for Saratoga Springs on June 7 – Please note that weather conditions are subject to change at any time.
Track conditions are crucial in horse racing, as they can significantly impact a horse’s performance. A “fast” track typically favors speedier horses, while a “sloppy” or “muddy” track can level the playing field and bring different running styles into contention. Bettors should closely monitor any last-minute changes to the track condition, as they can influence how to bet on the Belmont Stakes.
Journalism, for instance, showed his versatility by winning the Preakness Stakes and finishing second in the Kentucky Derby on the off track. His connections and past performances have demonstrated that he performs best on dry, fast surfaces. A return to those conditions could sharpen his already impressive closing kick.
The 2025 Belmont Stakes Contenders
Below is a comprehensive look at the contenders, including their post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning-line odds:
Hill Road (10-1) Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Contender Profile: Hill Road, bred in Ireland, comes into the Belmont off a decisive win in the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes. He’s shown he can handle a solid pace and could surprise if the race unfolds in his favor.
Sovereignty (2-1) Trainer: Bill Mott Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Contender Profile: The Kentucky Derby winner returns fresh after bypassing the Preakness. Known for his powerful finishing kick, Sovereignty will benefit from a clean trip and a contested pace.
Rodriguez (6-1) Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Mike Smith
Contender Profile: After winning the Wood Memorial, Rodriguez missed the Derby with a minor injury but has trained sharply since. If the track favors early speed, his front-running style could be a significant asset.
Uncaged (30-1) Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Luis Saez
Contender Profile: Uncaged has picked up two wins in lighter company, including at Saratoga. While he finished off the board in the Peter Pan, he has experience on this track and might sneak into the exotics.
Crudo (15-1) Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: John Velazquez
Contender Profile: Crudo enters off a victory in the Sir Barton Stakes and will be looking to carry his front-running form against deeper competition. He’s lightly raced but improving.
Baeza (4-1) Trainer: John Shirreffs Jockey: Flavien Prat
Contender Profile: A consistent performer, Baeza was third in the Derby and runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby. His grinding, closing style suits the Belmont’s longer stretch.
Journalism (8-5) Trainer: Michael McCarthy Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Contender Profile: The Preakness Stakes winner and Derby runner-up enters as the favorite. While he handled wet conditions before, his team believes he’s at his best on dry, fast ground. A good trip makes him the one to beat.
Heart of Honor (30-1) Trainer: Jamie Osborne, Jockey: Saffie Osborne,
Contender Profile: With international experience and a solid Preakness showing, Heart of Honor is a longshot with intriguing upside. If the pace melts down, he could be passing tired horses late.
Belmont Stakes Day Festivities
Belmont Stakes Day is not just about one race. It’s a racing festival featuring multiple Grade 1 events, all stacked into one card. Key races include:
- Metropolitan Handicap (Met Mile): A one-turn mile that often features elite older horses.
- Acorn Stakes: A key race for 3-year-old fillies.
- Ogden Phipps Stakes: A showdown between the best female dirt horses in the country.
Together, these races provide rich betting opportunities and a showcase of American Thoroughbred talent. If you’re crafting a multi-race ticket, these undercard events offer potential to build value before the Belmont Stakes finale.
Betting on the Belmont Stakes
With the same distance as last year, in Saratoga, and no overwhelming favorite, the 157th Belmont Stakes stands out as a wide-open contest. For serious handicappers and casual fans alike, this is a golden opportunity to test your racing intuition. Stay informed with BUSR News, consider all the factors, including the rain, and enjoy the race!
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