Belmont Stakes Betting Guide: How to Bet the Triple Crown Finale
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Tue Jun 09, 2026, 5:11 pm ET
Read Time: 12 minutes
The Belmont Stakes closes out the Triple Crown season and gives horseplayers another major opportunity to bet many of the top three-year-olds in the country.
Traditionally held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the race will once again take place at Saratoga Race Course in 2026 while renovations continue at Belmont Park. The temporary venue change also means the race will be run at 1 1/4 miles rather than its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance, creating a different handicapping challenge than bettors faced for generations.
Whether you are looking to make a simple win bet, build exotic tickets, or wager throughout a loaded Belmont Stakes Day card, understanding the race's unique characteristics can help you make more informed betting decisions. This guide covers everything you need to know before betting the 2026 Belmont Stakes at top horse racing betting sites such as BetOnline Raceobok and Bovada Racebook.
- 2026 Belmont Stakes Picks
- What to Know About the 2026 Belmont Stakes
- Best Belmont Stakes Betting Sites
- Types of Belmont Stakes Bets
- Belmont Stakes Betting Strategy
- Belmont Stakes History and Information
- How Horses Qualify for the Belmont Stakes
- What Beginners Should Know About Belmont Stakes Betting
- Conclusion
- FAQ
2026 Belmont Stakes Picks from Betting News
As he did for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Betting News horse racing expert Chris Adams provided Belmont Stakes picks and betting analysis.
Expert Picks for the 2026 Belmont Stakes »
In addition to expert selections, Betting News had computer-generated picks and betting insights to give bettors another angle to evaluate the field and identify potential value bets.
2026 Belmont Stakes Computer Picks »
What to Know About the 2026 Belmont Stakes
The 158th Belmont Stakes took place Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The race marked the third consecutive year that Saratoga has hosted the final leg of the Triple Crown while Belmont Park undergoes a multi-year renovation project that is expected to wrap up in 2026.
The biggest difference is distance. Traditionally, the Belmont Stakes is contested at 1 1/2 miles, making it the longest race in the Triple Crown series and earning its nickname, "The Test of the Champion." At Saratoga, however, the race is shortened to 1 1/4 miles due to the track's configuration.
That adjustment changes how bettors should approach the race. While stamina remains important, horses no longer need to prove they can handle the demanding 12-furlong distance that historically separated Belmont winners from the rest of the field.
As the final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes often attracts horses coming out of both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, as well as fresh contenders who skipped one or both earlier races in favor of targeting the Belmont.
The race also serves as the centerpiece of one of the strongest cards in American racing. Belmont Stakes Day typically features multiple Grade 1 races and generates some of the largest betting pools of the year.
2026 Belmont Stakes Results
| Order | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Margin (Lengths) |
| 1 | Golden Tempo | José Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux | – |
| 2 | Commandment | John R. Velazquez | Brad H. Cox | 1 1/4 |
| 3 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | 5 1/4 |
| 4 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | 8 1/2 |
| 5 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | 9 |
| 6 | Growth Equity | Manuel Franco | Chad C. Brown | 9 1/4 |
| 7 | Vitruvian Man | Antonio Fresu | Doug O'Neill | 11 |
| 8 | Ottinho | Dylan Davis | Chad C. Brown | 17 |
| 9 | Powershift | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | 23 3/4 |
2026 Belmont Stakes Field, Odds, and Probabilities
| Program Number | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Vitruvian Man | Antonio Fresu | Doug O'Neill |
| 2 | Powershift | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott |
| 4 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher |
| 5 | Ottinho | Dylan Davis | Chad C. Brown |
| 6 | Growth Equity | Manuel Franco | Chad C. Brown |
| 7 | Commandment | John R. Velazquez | Brad H. Cox |
| 8 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown |
| 9 | Golden Tempo | José Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux |
Odds to Win the 2026 Belmont Stakes
Odds are from Lucky Rebel as of Saturday, June 6, 2026.
| Horse | Odds | Recent Highlight |
| Renegade | +200 | 1st – Arkansas Derby |
| Chief Wallabee | +400 | 4th – Kentucky Derby |
| Emerging Market | +525 | 1st – Louisiana Derby (G2) |
| Commandment | +575 | 1st – Gulfstream Classic |
| Golden Tempo | +600 | 1st – Kentucky Derby |
| Growth Equity | +1250 | 1st – Peter Pan Stakes (G3) |
| Powershift | +1400 | 1st – Churchill Downs Maiden |
| Vitruvian Man | +3000 | 3rd – Santa Anita Derby (G1) |
| Ottinho | +3500 | 2nd – Blue Grass Stakes (G1) |
2026 Belmont Stakes Winner Probabilities
Probabilities are as of Saturday, June 6, 2026.
| Horse | Odds | Implied Probability | True Probability |
| Renegade | +200 | 33.33% | 28.13% |
| Chief Wallabee | +400 | 20.00% | 16.88% |
| Emerging Market | +525 | 16.00% | 13.50% |
| Commandment | +575 | 14.81% | 12.50% |
| Golden Tempo | +600 | 14.29% | 12.05% |
| Growth Equity | +1250 | 7.41% | 6.25% |
| Powershift | +1400 | 6.67% | 5.63% |
| Vitruvian Man | +3000 | 3.23% | 2.72% |
| Ottinho | +3500 | 2.78% | 2.34% |
Best Belmont Stakes Betting Sites
Online racebooks make it easier than ever to wager on the Belmont Stakes.
The best horse racing betting sites provide access to the Belmont Stakes and the full race card, allowing bettors to wager on everything from simple win bets to complex exotic tickets involving multiple races.
Many leading racebooks also offer welcome bonuses, horse racing rebates, mobile betting platforms, and promotions that can help players stretch their bankroll during one of the busiest betting weekends of the season.
Sites such as BetOnline Racebook and Bovada Racebook provide access to major horse racing events throughout the year, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Breeders' Cup, and more.
What to Look for in a Belmont Stakes Betting Site
When choosing a racebook for Belmont Stakes betting, consider the following features:
- Competitive horse racing odds and wagering pools
- Exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and multi-race betting options
- Horse racing rebates and loyalty programs
- Mobile-friendly betting platforms
- Fast deposits and withdrawals
- Reliable customer support
- Coverage of major horse racing events throughout the year
Types of Belmont Stakes Bets
The Belmont Stakes offers betting options for every type of horseplayer.
Whether you prefer straightforward wagers or enjoy chasing larger payouts through exotic bets, understanding the available betting menu is essential before race day.
Win, Place, and Show Bets
Win, place, and show wagers are the most straightforward bets available.
- A win bet requires your horse to finish first.
- A place bet cashes if your horse finishes first or second.
- A show bet pays if your horse finishes among the top three finishers.
These bets are popular among beginners because they are simple to understand and easy to handicap.
Exacta Bets
An exacta requires bettors to correctly predict the horses that finish first and second in exact order.
Many horseplayers use exacta boxes and wheels to increase their chances of success while still targeting larger payouts than traditional win wagers.
Trifecta Bets
A trifecta requires selecting the first three finishers in exact order.
Although trifectas are more difficult to hit than exactas, they often produce significantly larger payouts and remain one of the most popular betting options during Triple Crown races.
Superfecta Bets
A superfecta requires bettors to correctly identify the first four finishers in exact order.
Because of the difficulty involved, superfecta payouts can be substantial, particularly when one or more longshots finish among the top four positions.
Daily Doubles and Multi-Race Wagers
Belmont Stakes Day is known for its deep, high-quality race card, making multi-race wagers especially attractive.
Popular options include:
- Daily Double
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Pick 5
- Pick 6
These bets challenge horseplayers to identify winners across multiple races and often produce some of the largest payouts available throughout the day.
Belmont Stakes Betting Strategy
No horse racing betting strategies guarantee success but understanding the factors that commonly influence Belmont Stakes results can help bettors make more informed decisions.
Understand the Distance
The temporary move to Saratoga has changed one of the defining characteristics of the Belmont Stakes.
Traditionally contested at 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont was known for testing stamina unlike any other Triple Crown race. At Saratoga, however, the race is run at 1 1/4 miles, matching the distance of the Kentucky Derby.
That change places greater emphasis on proven form at classic distances and may reduce some of the stamina concerns that historically shaped Belmont handicapping.
Analyze Recent Form
Recent performances often provide the clearest picture of a horse's current ability.
Pay attention to speed figures, competition level, trip notes, and pace scenarios. Horses that encountered traffic trouble, wide trips, or unfavorable race setups may offer value if the betting public focuses only on finishing position.
Evaluate Pace Dynamics
Pace handicapping can be especially important in major races.
A Belmont Stakes field loaded with front-runners may create opportunities for horses that prefer to close from off the pace. Conversely, a field lacking early speed can benefit horses capable of controlling the tempo near the front.
Understanding how the race is likely to unfold can help bettors identify runners whose preferred style matches the projected pace scenario.
Consider Triple Crown Scheduling
Not every Belmont Stakes entrant follows the same path to the race.
Some horses compete in all three Triple Crown events, while others skip the Preakness Stakes or target the Belmont after bypassing both earlier races. Freshness can be an important factor, particularly for horses coming off demanding efforts in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness.
Look at Trainer and Jockey Success
The Belmont Stakes regularly attracts many of the sport's most successful trainers and jockeys.
While reputation alone should not determine a wager, experienced connections often have a proven track record of preparing horses for major races and managing the unique demands of the Triple Crown trail.
Monitor Track Conditions
Track conditions can influence race outcomes throughout Belmont Stakes Day.
Weather, moisture, and track maintenance can create biases that favor certain running styles. Watching earlier races on the card may provide clues about whether the surface is favoring speed horses, stalkers, or late closers.
Watch the Odds Board
Belmont Stakes betting pools attract significant wagering volume.
Significant odds movement throughout the day can reveal where money is flowing and may help bettors identify potential overlays or underlays. While odds shifts should not dictate every decision, they can provide valuable information when evaluating the market.
Belmont Stakes History and Information
First run in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the three Triple Crown races.
The race follows the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and serves as the final leg of the Triple Crown. While the venue and distance have temporarily changed during Belmont Park's renovation project, the race remains one of the most prestigious events in North American horse racing.
Belmont Stakes Winners (2015-Present)
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Margin (Lengths) | Odds |
| 2026 | Golden Tempo | José Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux | 1 1/4 | 6-1 |
| 2025 | Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | 3 | 5-2 |
| 2024 | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | 1/2 | 17-1 |
| 2023 | Arcangelo | Javier Castellano | Jena Antonucci | 1 1/2 | 7-1 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | 3 | 5-2 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad Cox | 1 1/4 | 8-5 |
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | Manny Franco | Barclay Tagg | 3 3/4 | 6-5 |
| 2019 | Sir Winston | Joel Rosario | Mark Casse | 1 | 10-1 |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | 1 3/4 | 4-5 |
| 2017 | Tapwrit | José Ortiz | Todd Pletcher | 2 | 6-1 |
| 2016 | Creator | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Steve Asmussen | nose | 15-1 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | 5 1/2 | 3-4 |
Notable Belmont Stakes Trends
Historical trends should never replace handicapping, but they can provide useful context when evaluating a field.
Some notable Belmont Stakes trends include:
- Kentucky Derby participants frequently play a major role in the outcome.
- Horses with strong graded stakes form often perform well.
- Top trainers regularly contend for Belmont victories.
- Favorites have historically enjoyed greater success than they do in the Kentucky Derby.
Successful handicapping still requires evaluating each race individually, but historical trends can help bettors identify factors worth considering.
How Do Horses Qualify for the Belmont Stakes?
Unlike the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes does not rely on a season-long points system.
Instead, eligible three-year-old thoroughbreds can be entered by their owners and trainers. If the number of entrants exceeds the race's maximum field size, preference is generally given based on graded stakes earnings and other eligibility criteria.
Because there is no formal qualification system, Belmont Stakes fields often feature a diverse mix of contenders, including:
- Kentucky Derby runners
- Preakness Stakes participants
- Horses that skipped one or both earlier Triple Crown races
- Late-developing runners targeting the Belmont specifically
This flexibility often creates unique matchups that differ significantly from those seen earlier in the Triple Crown season.
What Beginners Should Know About Belmont Stakes Betting
The Belmont Stakes can be an excellent entry point for new horse racing bettors.
The race receives extensive media coverage, attracts elite competitors, and offers a wide range of wagering options. At the same time, newcomers should remember that horse racing can be unpredictable, making bankroll management especially important.
Start With Simpler Bets
Win, place, and show wagers are often the best place for beginners to start.
These bets allow new bettors to focus on handicapping fundamentals without worrying about the added complexity of exotic wagers.
Don't Chase Longshots Exclusively
Longshots can produce exciting payouts, but favorites and shorter-priced horses win plenty of major races.
A balanced approach often produces better long-term results than focusing exclusively on unlikely outcomes.
Focus on Value
Successful betting is not just about picking winners.
Finding horses whose odds are better than their actual chances of winning is one of the most important skills a bettor can develop.
Manage Your Bankroll
Avoid risking too much on any single race.
Many experienced horseplayers establish a betting budget before the card begins and stick to it regardless of results.
Conclusion
The Belmont Stakes remains one of the most important races in American horse racing and one of the premier betting events of the Triple Crown season.
Although the race continues to be held at Saratoga during Belmont Park's renovation project, its significance within the sport remains unchanged. The combination of top three-year-old thoroughbreds, major betting pools, and a loaded undercard creates opportunities for both casual fans and experienced handicappers.
Whether you prefer straightforward win bets or more advanced exotic wagers, understanding the distance, field composition, pace dynamics, and recent form can help you make more informed betting decisions. As race day approaches, monitor the final field, post positions, track conditions, and odds movement to give yourself the best chance of finding value.