The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds run at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is run over the worldwide classic distance of 1+1⁄2 miles (12 furlongs; 2,414 metres). Colts and geldings carry a weight of 126 pounds (57 kg); fillies carry 121 pounds (55 kg).

The race, nicknamed The Test of the Champion, The Test of Champions and The Run for the Carnations, is the traditional third and final leg of the Triple Crown. It is usually held on the first or second Saturday in June, five weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes. The 1973 Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown winner Secretariat holds the track record (which is also a world record on dirt) of 2:24.

The race covers one full lap of Belmont Park, known as “The Championship Track” because nearly every major American champion in racing history has competed on the racetrack.

The 158th Belmont Stakes is Saturday, June 6, 2026, with a post time of 7:04 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). 

• Coverage on FOX starts earlier in the afternoon (around 4 p.m. ET), leading into the main race. 
• Saratoga Race Course gates typically open in the morning for the full day of racing.

Belmont Park, with its large, wide, sweeping turns and long homestretch, is considered one of the fairest racetracks in America. Despite the distance, the race tends to favor horses with tactical speed: relatively few winners close from far behind the early leaders.

Top horses to watch at Saratoga this weekend

1. Renegade

(Post 4, Morning Line 2-1, current favorite ~6/5)

• Trained by Todd Pletcher with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.
• Kentucky Derby runner-up after a troubled trip. Many experts consider him the most talented 3-year-old in the field and the one to beat at the 1¼-mile distance. Strong closer with tactical speed. 

2. Chief Wallabee

(Post 3, 3-1)

• Trained by Bill Mott (Belmont winner pedigree) with Junior Alvarado riding.
• Finished 4th in the Kentucky Derby but has been impressive otherwise.

Consistent, versatile, and well-positioned from an inside post. A top threat if the pace heats up. 

3. Golden Tempo

(Post 9, 9-2)

• Kentucky Derby winner, but draws the far outside post.
• Will need a clean trip over the Saratoga dirt. The rematch with Renegade is a major storyline—watch how he handles the longer Belmont distance and wide post. 

Strong Contenders to Watch

Commandment
(Post 7, 6-1)
Brad Cox trainee with John Velazquez. Multiple stakes winner earlier in the year; some handicappers love his figures for a big rebound.

Emerging Market
(Post 8, 6-1)
Flavien Prat up. Dangerous closer who could make noise in the exotics.

Growth Equity or Powershift
(both around 12-1)
Worth a look for value or exotic plays, especially Powershift from the Pletcher barn. 

Quick Notes for Race Day

• Post time: 7:04 p.m. ET on FOX.
• Full card of graded stakes starts earlier—Saratoga’s atmosphere will be electric.
• Track conditions: Fast main track expected, but monitor any afternoon weather.

These are the horses generating the most buzz from experts and morning line odds. Renegade and Chief Wallabee look like the class of the field for many, but the Derby rematch adds excitement.

Beyond the race, Saratoga’s known for its electric atmosphere during Travers weekend, but this Belmont card is already buzzing. Full card starts early with graded stakes, so it’s a full day of top-level racing.