Full Breakdown
2026 Belmont Stakes Moves to Saratoga, Shortened Distance Sets Stage for Expert Predictions
6/5/2026, 2:34:27 AM
Belmont Stakes Relocated
Renovation work at Belmont Park has moved the 158th Belmont Stakes—the third leg of the Triple Crown—to Saratoga Race Course for the third consecutive year. The shift also reduces the distance from 1½ miles to 1¼ miles, matching the Kentucky Derby length. The shorter trip emphasizes horses that performed well in the Derby and changes the expected pace.
Field Overview
Nine three-year-olds will contest the race on Saturday, June 6, at 7:04 p.m. ET. Morning-line odds list Renegade (2-1) as favorite, Chief Wallabee (3-1) and Golden Tempo (9-2) next. Mid-range odds include Commandment (6-1), Emerging Market (6-1) and Growth Equity (12-1). Longshots are Powershift (12-1), Ottinho (20-1) and Vitruvian Man (30-1). Trainer Chad Brown entered three horses—Emerging Market, Growth Equity and Ottinho—representing one-third of the field. Two brother pairs appear: Renegade and Commandment (both by Into Mischief) and Powershift and Chief Wallabee (both by Constitution).
Handicappers’ Outlook
SportsLine analyst Jody Demling recommends fading Golden Tempo, saying he “doesn’t get a perfect set up here like he did at Churchill.” He also points to a “double-digit longshot” that a legendary trainer rates “very high.” Gene Menez also downplays Golden Tempo, noting his top pick “should sit a perfect trip” and that a longshot could “upset this field at a nice price.” Santa Ana-based handicapper Michelle Yu fades Chief Wallabee, calling him “the wise guy horse.” Trainer Chad Brown cites a “strength in numbers” approach, backing his three entries.
Critique of Derby Winner
Analysts note Golden Tempo’s closing style relies on a fast early pace, which the nine-horse Saratoga field is unlikely to produce. Projected early fractions are slower than the 18-horse Derby, limiting his ability to close from the back. His 9-2 odds also offer limited reward for the risk.
Odds Formats & Field
Sources list odds as fractions (2-1) and as money-line (+200). The Fox Sports list includes Vitruvian Man and Ottinho, while other reports omit them, showing incomplete field coverage. All agree on nine entries, but the exact composition varies.
Quotes
- “I still don’t believe he’s the best of this bunch and I don’t think he gets a perfect set up here like he did at Churchill.” — Jody Demling, SportsLine analyst
- “The wise guy horse is back.” — Michelle Yu, SportsLine handicapper
- “He had a rough trip in the Kentucky Derby but persevered to finish fourth.” — Michelle Yu, SportsLine handicapper
- “Should sit a perfect trip.” — Gene Menez, SportsLine analyst
- “Upset this field at a nice price.” — Gene Menez, SportsLine analyst
Next
The Belmont Stakes will be televised on FOX and FS1, with live streaming on FOX One and Fubo. Post-race analysis and expert commentary will be published on SportsLine and other racing outlets.
