Belmont Stakes Betting Guide 2026
The Belmont Stakes is one of the top horse races in the United States and our Belmont Stakes betting tips are already published. Held at the famous Belmont Park in New York, the race dates back to 1867. Known as “The Test of the Champions”, it is competed by 3-year-old thoroughbreds over a distance of 1 1/4 miles. This year, continuing the trend from 2024 and 2025, it will be held in Saratoga as the Belmont course completes its multi-million dollar renovation.
The Grade 1 race attracts the best runners and riders from the US and the rest of the world, with a $2 million prize pool shared among the entrants. The 2026 edition is scheduled for June 6, with Belmont Stakes betting tips remaining as in-demand as ever. On this page, we will record our top Belmont Stakes bookmakers while taking a closer look at how to pick a winner.
Latest Belmont Stakes Tips
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The Belmont Stakes is notorious for being fiercely competitive. However, a Triple Crown sweep is off the table this year after a split in the early classics: Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo and local threats like Chief Wallabee will be vying for the final jewel of the season. Ahead of race day, above are some key predictions to consider:
Can I Create A Profitable Belmont Stakes Betting Strategy?
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that a profit will be made, even with the best Belmont Stakes betting strategy. However, there are certainly ways in which you can improve your chances of beating the bookies. Below, we will outline exactly how to bet on horse racing online effectively.
Past trends and stats
Given that the Belmont Stakes has been running since 1867, not all the history surrounding the race will be of value to punters today. However, key trends and statistics over recent years can undoubtedly be of use. So, ahead of the 2025 Belmont Stakes, the following are among the standout trends and stats to consider:
- Trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Belmont Stakes on three occasions since 2013. He became winner circle with Palace Malice (2013), Tapwrit (2017), and Mo Donegal (2022).
- Jockeys Joel Rosario, Luis Saez, Irad Ortiz Jr, and Mike E Smith have won the race on two occasions. Veteran Mike E. Smith boasts three career Belmont victories.
- In 2020, Tiz The Law ran the race at a time of 1:46:53, the fastest ever. However, the distance was shortened to 1 1/8 miles that year due to schedule disruptions.
- American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018 won the Belmont Stakes in order to complete the Triple Crown.
- Where their last win was in a Class 2 race, no horse has won the Belmont Stakes. The overall record here is 0-34.
- No female horse has won the Belmont Stakes over the last decade. However, a very small number of fillies run the race.
Racecourse Info
The Belmont Stakes has been run over 1 mile 4 furlongs since 1926. Meanwhile, it was altered to a left-hand course in 1921. A flat dirt track is used each year, which all entrants will be more familiar with. The winning margin was never greater than 31 lengths, since the legendary Secretariat's win in 1973. In Saratoga, the course is 1 mile 2 furlongs.
Is it Worth Backing the Favourites?
One of the key statistics surrounding Belmont betting is that historically, with approximately 42% of horse racing favourites have won the race. This is higher than most Grade 1 races globally. With only eight runners making up the race because of the condensed field size, the odds are not as spread out as the Grand National or Melbourne Cup. Meanwhile, the winner with the highest starting price was Sarava in 2002, with odds of 71.00.
Trainers and jockeys
When considering your Belmont Stakes betting strategy, it is vital to look at the trainers and jockeys associated with potential picks. No jockey has ever won the race more than James McLoughlin, who came out on top six times between 1882 and 1888. Meanwhile, James Rowe is the trainer with the most wins, totalling eight until 1913. For the 2026 edition, Todd Pletcher trains the morning-line favorite Renegade, while local New York powerhouse Chad Brown has three entries (Emerging Market, Growth Equity, and Ottinho).
Belmont Stakes Betting Offers
Promotions are added by Belmont Stakes bookmakers ahead of the race. Of course, Belmont Stakes betting offers will come with terms and conditions. However, they can certainly be used to the advantage of players, helping to maximise winnings and minimise losses.
Standard promos include best odds guaranteed, price boosts, faller insurance and a free bet if your pick finishes 2nd to the SP favourite. Each of our top-ranked bookies also comes with a generous welcome offer, including free bets and matched deposit bonuses. When backing your favourite for the Belmont Stakes, keep a close eye on available betting offers.
Prep Races for the Belmont Stakes
In order to get their prized assets into the best possible condition, trainers will enter horses into prep races in the months leading up to the big day. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes are the main feeder races, held on the first and third Saturday in May, respectively.
Elsewhere, the Peter Pan Stakes is a popular prep race, given that it takes place at Belmont Park just one month before the event.
It is the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes that will generally attract the most attention from players. Belmont Stakes bookmakers will also offer such runners short odds. Meanwhile, over the last decade, the only Peter Pan Stakes winner that won the race was Arcangelo in 2023.
The table below shows the standout Belmont Stakes 2026 prep races, including when and where they take place:
Who Are The Previous Race Winners
While it may not be crucial for the current Belmont betting odds, it is worthwhile being familiar with who has won the Belmont Stakes over recent years. The table below shows which runners and riders have come out on top in the final leg of the Triple Crown over the last decade:
Frequently Asked Questions
Players must first sign up with an online bookie covering the race to bet on the Belmont Stakes. Deposit funds before browsing markets and potential picks. Be sure to check out our betting tips before confirming your bet.
When the confirmed lineup for the Belmont Stakes is announced, players will bet on their favourites. However, there is no guarantee that you will pick a winner. So, be sure to do your research before race day, looking at the recent form of entrants, as well as jockey and trainers. Our pick is on Sovereignty for 2.75.
The record was set by Big Red back in 1973 when it won by 31 lengths in a time of 2:24 flat. This is the record time when the Belmont Stakes was run over a distance of 1 ½ mile.
The 2026 race will take place on Saturday, June 6, at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Just eight contestants make up the Belmont Stakes. A draw is held to determine which post position horses will start from. Position 1 has delivered the most Belmont Stakes winners in the past.
