Welcome to Saratoga: A Belmont Like No Other
For the second consecutive year, the Belmont Stakes is swapping its Long Island location for the iconic Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York, while Belmont Park gets a makeover. The distance? It’s been cut down to 1 1/4 miles—turning this into a challenge of speed and strategy, rather than just endurance.
Date: June 7, 2025
Location: Saratoga Race Course
Purse: $2 Million (Estimated)
Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Meet the Contenders: Who’s Who in the 2025 Belmont Stakes
Let’s analyze the field, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of each horse, as well as what could make them a potential Belmont champion.
Sovereignty
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: Godolphin
Credentials: Kentucky Derby Winner, Street Sense Stakes, Fountain of Youth Stakes
Odds: 8-5 (Favorite)
What Makes Him Special:
Sovereignty just won the Kentucky Derby, showcasing both determination and smart strategy. Mott’s choice to pass on the Preakness might mean he’s well-rested and prepared—or it could suggest he’s a little out of practice. His ability to adapt makes him a threat at any distance, but the Saratoga track and the shorter race could alter the dynamics.
Expert Insight:
“Sovereignty is the class of the field, but history shows that fresh Derby winners can be vulnerable in the Belmont. Watch for him to settle just off the pace and make his move at the top of the stretch.” — Racing Analyst, Daily Racing Form
Journalism
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable
Credentials: Preakness Winner, Santa Anita Derby
Odds: 9-5
What Makes Him Special:
Journalism just had a bold win at the Preakness, but the fast turnaround and Saratoga’s distinct layout raise some questions. His dad, Curlin, won the Preakness but barely missed out on the Belmont—could history be repeating itself?
Expert Insight:
“No horse since Justify (2018) has won both the Preakness and Belmont. Journalism is tough, but the ‘Test of the Champion’ is a different beast.” — Triple Crown Historian
Baeza
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Owner: C R K Stable LLC, Grandview Equine
Credentials: 3rd in Kentucky Derby
Odds: 7-2
What Makes Him Special:
Baeza is the underdog with a great opportunity. He’s getting better with each race and is trained by John Shirreffs, who has the ability to prepare horses for classics. Having Prat in the saddle is definitely a bonus.
Expert Insight:
“Baeza is peaking at the right time. If the pace is honest, he could be the one flying late.” — Jockey Agent, NYRA
Rodriguez
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC
Credentials: Wood Memorial Winner
Odds: 6-1
What Makes Him Special:
Rodriguez passed on the Derby and Preakness, which makes him the new contender in the lineup. Baffert and Smith are a powerful duo, and this colt has the lineage to tackle the distance.
Expert Insight:
“Rodriguez is the wildcard. Fresh, well-bred, and trained by a master. Don’t be surprised if he’s right there at the wire.” — Bloodstock Agent
Hill Road
Jockey: TBA
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owner: Amo Racing USA
Credentials: Peter Pan Stakes Winner
Odds: 10-1
What Makes Him Special:
Hill Road is the rising star, taking home the classic Belmont prep at the Peter Pan. Brown has the skills in training young horses, and this colt is really finding his groove.
Expert Insight:
“Hill Road is the sleeper. If the pace collapses, he could steal it.” — Trainer, NYRA
Heart of Honor
Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Trainer: Jamie Osborne
Owner: Jim And Claire Limited
Credentials: 5th in Preakness, UAE Derby Runner
Odds: 20-1
What Makes Him Special:
Heart of Honor is the underdog on the international stage. He’s demonstrated endurance and determination, and with his high odds, he’s definitely worth considering for exotic wagers.
Expert Insight:
“Heart of Honor is a live longshot. If the pace is hot, he could be closing fast.” — International Racing Analyst
Grande
Jockey: Dylan Davis
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Credentials: Wood Memorial Runner-Up
Odds: Double Digits
What Makes Him Special:
Grande was pulled from the Derby but is back and all set. Pletcher knows the ins and outs of winning the Belmont, and this colt has the lineage to go the extra mile.
Expert Insight:
“Grande is the wildcard. If he’s healthy, he could be a major player.” — Veterinarian, NYRA
Expert Predictions and Value Plays
Top Pick:
Baeza — “He’s improving, well-positioned, and could offer great value.” — Jody Demling, Horse Racing Analyst
Live Longshot:
Heart of Honor — “At 20-1, he’s worth a shot in the exotics.” — International Racing Analyst
Wildcard:
Rodriguez — “Fresh, well-bred, and trained by a legend. Don’t count him out.” — Bloodstock Agent
The 2025 Belmont Stakes is looking like it’s going to be a classic. With a blend of established champions, rising stars, and interesting longshots, this race has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re a veteran handicapper or just a casual fan, the Belmont at Saratoga is sure to deliver excitement, drama, and possibly a surprise or two.
Don’t miss it—June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course!