The Belmont Stakes, famously dubbed the Test of the Champion, serves as the final leg of American horse racing’s revered Triple Crown. In 2025, the race runs Saturday, June 7. This edition takes place at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, a temporary site during Belmont Park renovations.
Anticipation is building regarding the top contenders and how the race’s challenges, even at a different venue, shape the odds. Understanding these nuances illuminates the betting landscape.
The 2025 Race Setting at Saratoga
In 2025, the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, temporarily relocating while Belmont Park undergoes renovations expected to finish in 2026. Because of Saratoga’s track configuration, the race distance is reduced to 1¼ miles—matching the Kentucky Derby—rather than the usual 1½ miles. Adding to the excitement is the $2 million purse.
How Belmont Stakes Odds are Determined
Oddsmakers determine Belmont Stakes odds by evaluating multiple factors, including each horse’s past performance, speed figures, pedigree, jockey and trainer records, and track conditions. They also consider publicly available workout information, betting patterns, and news developments. Based on this analysis, oddsmakers set the initial “morning line” odds, which then fluctuate in response to betting activity and new information leading up to the race.
Early Betting and Risk
Ante-post betting refers to placing a wager well in advance of the event. Although it can offer more favorable odds, it carries greater risk—if the horse is withdrawn before the race, the bet is lost and the bookmaker keeps the stake.
Reading the Numbers
Horse racing odds often appear fractionally, like 3-1 or 50-1. A 3-1 chance means $1 bet yields $3 profit plus original wager. A 50-1 indicates $1 bet returns $50 profit plus stake. Converters are available at most sportsbook sites, making understanding odds easier for those new to betting.
Sovereignty: The Expected Favorite
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty is expected to be the favorite at the 2025 Belmont Stakes. Trainer Bill Mott skipped the Preakness, ensuring the colt is rested for the big race. Sovereignty won the Derby by 1.5 lengths on a muddy track. His sire, Into Mischief, produced Derby winners but no Belmont victors. Skipping the Preakness and his Derby win makes Sovereignty a horse worth taking seriously in this race.
Sovereignty’s journey to the Belmont Stakes will undoubtedly influence Belmont odds, with bookmakers pricing him prominently due to rest and past performance.
Belmont’s History of Surprises
Belmont Park’s reputation as the “graveyard” of favorites shapes expectations for the race at Saratoga. The Belmont Stakes often produces surprising upsets, with many horses who won the first two Triple Crown races failing to claim the final leg. Since 1919, only thirteen horses have captured the Triple Crown, making the race’s unpredictability a key part of its drama.
The Stamina Challenge
Traditionally 1½ miles long, the Belmont emphasizes endurance over pure speed. While shorter at 1¼ miles for 2025, sustaining pace remains vital. Secretariat, a horse renowned for its stamina, recorded a 31-length victory in 1973, setting a record 2:24 for 1½ miles, showcasing the importance of strong legs in this race.
The Advantage of Freshness
Running the Derby and Preakness within five weeks is taxing. Horses competing in all three legs can arrive fatigued at Belmont. Historically, horses skipping previous races benefit from being fresher, sometimes upsetting tired favorites. Tonalist (2014) and Tapwrit (2017) are examples of fresh contenders defeating Triple Crown hopefuls.
Beyond the Favorite: Other Contenders
Beyond the favorite, the field includes strong contenders skipping earlier races for freshness. Experienced jockeys and trainers are also crucial; familiarity with distance racing demands is essential.
Legendary trainer Woody Stephens showcased masterful preparation by winning five straight Belmont Stakes in the 1980s. The race’s history is also marked by stunning upsets—like Sarava’s shocking 70-1 victory in 2002. These stories of skill and surprise combine to make the Belmont a thrilling and unpredictable contest every year.
Navigating the Betting Landscape
The 2025 Belmont Stakes offers a fascinating betting puzzle, influenced by history and temporary venue. Sovereignty’s expected favoritism contrasts with Belmont’s tendency for upsets.
The Saratoga distance and impact of freshness versus Triple Crown trail are key factors. Consider a horse’s stamina, form, connections, plus inherent unpredictability making the Belmont thrilling. Understanding these focus areas aids informed wagering decisions.
Attending the 2025 Belmont Stakes Festival: Practical Details
Beyond the competitive landscape and betting dynamics, attending the 2025 Belmont Stakes at its temporary location at Saratoga Race Course offers its own set of unique details.
For the 2025 edition, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held from June 4 to June 8, with the 157th Belmont Stakes race itself taking place on Saturday, June 7. This temporary move from Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is to allow for extensive renovations at the traditional venue, which are expected to be completed in 2026.
Ticket options range from general admission to premium experiences. On Belmont Stakes Day, general admission is $75 for adults and $20 for children aged 4-12. General admission grants access to areas like the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and Backyard, but does not guarantee a seat.
For guaranteed seating or enhanced views, options include reserved Grandstand seats, Premium Hospitality areas offering all-inclusive food and drinks, private box seats, and VIP packages. A five-day festival pass is also available for $120.
Fresh Legs and Fierce Competition
The 2025 Belmont Stakes promises to be a captivating chapter in the storied history of this legendary race. With its temporary move to Saratoga, a shortened distance, and a blend of fresh contenders and proven champions like Sovereignty, the race offers both excitement and unpredictability. Understanding the unique challenges of this edition—from track differences to betting dynamics—will help fans and bettors alike appreciate the drama and skill that define the Test of the Champion.
