Belmont Stakes Final Power Rankings
Belmont Stakes 2025 Final Power Rankings
From First to Last, Who Will Own Saratoga?
Even without a Triple Crown on the line, the 2025 Belmont Stakes is shaping up to be the most exciting race of the season. The spotlight returns to Saratoga, where the nation’s best 3-year-olds meet again after fireworks in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
As bettors prepare to bet on Belmont and study the pace scenarios, one truth emerges: this is a race loaded with redemption stories, rising stars, and razor-thin margins between elite runners.
With shifting Belmont Stakes odds and tightly bunched talent at the top, finding value will require bold calls and deep analysis. Belmont Stakes betting isn’t about picking the obvious; it’s about identifying who will peak at the right time on racing’s grandest summer stage.
Below is a sensational, no-holds-barred ranking of every contender in the 2025 Belmont Stakes, from most likely to wear the crown to least likely to finish in the top half of the field.
1st: Journalism (8-5)
He’s the relentless force of this division. Journalism proved his grit by bouncing back from a tough-trip third in the Kentucky Derby to win the Preakness Stakes with absolute authority. That effort wasn’t just reasonable, it was defining.
The son of Curlin has been heralded as a generational dirt router, and now he returns for his third Triple Crown start in five weeks. While others opted for rest, Journalism is here to finish what he started. Saratoga’s long stretch should play right into his tactical style. If he gets even a hint of racing luck, it’s game over. This is his revenge mission, and he’s built to finish it.
2nd: Baeza (4-1)
2nd: Baeza (4-1)
If there’s one horse who might dethrone Journalism, it’s Baeza. Trained by John Shirreffs, this colt has been flying under the radar, but not for long. His speed figures improve with every start, his pedigree screams stamina, and he exits the strongest prep race in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.
In the Kentucky Derby, he was trapped wide and still finished strong behind Sovereignty and Journalism. This time, with a better position and a more favorable pace scenario, Baeza could flip the script. If he takes one more step forward, the rest will have to play catch-up.
3rd: Sovereignty (2-1)
Bill Mott’s pride and joy put on a show in the Kentucky Derby, launching a devastating rally to beat both Journalism and Baeza. That performance was no fluke; Sovereignty came in with serious credentials and outstanding Belmont Stakes betting odds. But there are caveats.
The Churchill Downs slop may have helped him, and skipping the Preakness gives an edge to Journalism in terms of seasoning and momentum. Still, this colt is pure class, and if the pace melts down late, he’s the most likely to sweep past everyone. He’s a top-two talent, but this time, he might finish third in a loaded top tier.
4th: Rodriguez (6-1)
4th: Rodriguez (6-1)
Rodriguez is Bob Baffert’s one shot at Belmont glory this year, and he’s not to be dismissed. His strength lies in one thing: early speed. This colt is the most likely pacesetter and owns a front-running style that could steal the race if the others hesitate.
He showed massive improvement in the Wood Memorial once blinkers were removed and has proven that when he gets the lead, he’s dangerous. If he can put away Crudo early and slow the pace down mid-race, watch out. But if Journalism or Baeza pounce early, he’ll be vulnerable late.
5th: Hill Road (10-1)
This son of Quality Road quietly climbed the ladder with a solid victory in the Peter Pan Stakes. He’s never flashy, but he’s consistent and improving. Hill Road doesn’t have the tactical brilliance of the top four, but he’s a grinder, a colt who will relish 1 1/4 miles and keep coming when others fade.
He needs a fast, early pace to set up his late kick, and he’ll need the top contenders to get entangled up front. Still, this is a sneaky Belmont Stakes betting option for those looking to fill out exotic tickets with a closing type that can pass tiring horses.
6th: Heart of Honor (30-1)
6th: Heart of Honor (30-1)
Jamie Osborne’s colt is a challenging read. On paper, he doesn’t look fast enough. But the Preakness showed he has guts. He ran into traffic, regrouped, and came on late to nab fifth, passing better horses in the process.
He’s proven at longer distances and should have no trouble getting 10 furlongs at Saratoga. The problem? He lacks that explosive turn of foot needed to contend for the win. Still, in a field where the pace could fall apart, Heart of Honor is precisely the type of longshot that can crash a superfecta and blow up the board.
7th: Crudo (15-1)
Crudo is the wildcard. With two blowout wins heading into the Belmont, including a flashy score in the Sir Barton Stakes, he’s got the look of a rising star. But there are red flags. All his wins came at shorter distances, and he’s never been tested against Grade 1 company.
His front-running style is likely to clash with Rodriguez, and that duel could spell doom for both. Crudo hasn’t proven he can pass horses or finish strongly when pressed. If he learns on the fly, he’s a future threat, but this isn’t the day to back him for the win.
8th: Uncaged (30-1)
8th: Uncaged (30-1)
If rain falls, upgrade him slightly. Otherwise, Uncaged faces a serious uphill climb. His only decent efforts came on wet tracks, and he was a non-factor on dry dirt in the Peter Pan Stakes. Trainer Todd Pletcher knows how to win the Belmont, but Uncaged would need the race to collapse completely and the sky to open up.
He has pedigree on his side, being a son of Curlin out of a Bernardini-line mare, but class matters, and so far, Uncaged has been out of his league. This feels like a test run for longer-term development, not a breakthrough.
The Final Takeaway
This Belmont isn’t about gimmicks, it’s about greatness. Journalism is chasing Triple Crown redemption. Baeza is ready to burst through. Sovereignty wants to prove his Derby was no fluke.
And then there’s Rodriguez, lurking with dangerous speed, and Hill Road, stalking with staying power. The top half of this field is elite, and separating them will come down to trip, timing, and tactics. For bettors, understanding these matchups is the key to unlocking value.
If you’re searching for that winning edge, don’t just read the odds board; interpret the story behind it. Belmont Stakes betting odds don’t always accurately reflect a horse’s shape, stamina, or pedigree. They reflect public sentiment, hype, and bias. So, whether you’re playing it straight or building a trifecta bomb, base your picks on what matters most: form, pace, and pattern.
Ready to Bet on the Belmont?
The stage is set. The gate is nearly loaded. And the 2025 Belmont Stakes is your chance to make a statement at the windows. Will Journalism prove invincible? Will Baeza leap to the top of the division? Or will a new hero emerge from the chaos?
Get expert picks, real-time odds, and seamless wagering access all day long. Visit our racebook today and bet on Belmont with confidence. Because in a race like this, fortune doesn’t just favor the bold, it favors the well-informed.
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