2026 Belmont Stakes Preview: Full Field, Odds, Favorites and Betting Outlook
The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes is set for Saturday at historic Saratoga Race Course, serving as the final leg of the Triple Crown.
While no Triple Crown winner is on the line this year, the race features a competitive nine-horse field highlighted by Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and Derby runner-up Renegade. Belmont Park remains under renovation, meaning Saratoga will host the race for a third consecutive year at a shortened distance of 1¼ miles.
The race carries a $2 million purse and is expected to draw significant horse race betting interest as the sport’s spring season reaches its conclusion. Renegade enters as the morning-line favorite after narrowly missing victory in the Kentucky Derby, while several other contenders have emerged as legitimate threats.
Key Belmont Stakes Details
- Race: 158th Belmont Stakes
- Date: Saturday, June 6
- Location: Saratoga Race Course
- Distance: 1¼ miles
- Purse: $2 million
- Post Time: 7:04 p.m. ET
- TV Coverage: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One and FOX Sports platforms
Full Belmont Stakes Field and Odds
| Post | Horse | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vitruvian Man | 30-1 |
| 2 | Powershift | 12-1 |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | 3-1 |
| 4 | Renegade | 2-1 |
| 5 | Ottinho | 20-1 |
| 6 | Growth Equity | 12-1 |
| 7 | Golden Tempo | 9-2 |
| 8 | Emerging Market | 6-1 |
| 9 | Commandment | 6-1 |
Morning-line odds were established following Monday’s post-position draw.
Favorites to Watch
Renegade (2-1)
Todd Pletcher’s colt enters as the favorite after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. Renegade rallied from deep in the field at Churchill Downs and now looks to earn redemption in the Triple Crown finale.
Chief Wallabee (3-1)
Trained by Bill Mott, Chief Wallabee finished fourth in the Derby after encountering traffic issues. Many handicappers believe a cleaner trip could make him a serious win candidate at Saratoga.
Golden Tempo (9-2)
The Kentucky Derby winner returns after skipping the Preakness Stakes. Golden Tempo delivered one of the biggest Derby upsets in recent years and now seeks to add another Triple Crown race to his résumé.
Emerging Market (6-1)
One of three Chad Brown trainees in the field, Emerging Market has attracted considerable betting attention following several strong recent workouts and improving performances.
Commandment (6-1)
A multiple graded-stakes winner, Commandment disappointed in the Derby but has enough talent to rebound and contend in the Belmont.
Other Horses to Know
Several longshots could provide value for bettors looking beyond the favorites.
- Powershift (12-1): Todd Pletcher trainee expected to show early speed.
- Growth Equity (12-1): Chad Brown runner with improving form.
- Ottinho (20-1): Lightly raced colt with upside.
- Vitruvian Man (30-1): Longshot entrant owned in part by a syndicate featuring entertainers including Lil Wayne and Lil Yachty.
Betting Outlook
This year’s Belmont Stakes appears more competitive than many recent editions. Renegade deserves favorite status after his Derby effort, but the shorter Saratoga configuration could benefit horses with tactical speed such as Chief Wallabee and Commandment.
Golden Tempo also remains a major factor after his Derby victory, while Emerging Market could offer value among the mid-range contenders.
With no overwhelming standout in the field, bettors are likely to see significant action spread across several horses, creating one of the most intriguing wagering races of the Triple Crown season.
Now an experienced iGaming and sports betting writer and editor, Alex has been a keen casino player and sports bettor for many years, having dabbled in both for personal entertainment. He regularly plays slots, and places bets on his favourite sports, including football and NFL as a preference; he’s a big fan of Chelsea and the New York Giants for all his sins.
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