The 2026 Belmont Stakes is the 158th running of the final leg of the Triple Crown. It takes place on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Accordingly, this is the third and final year Saratoga is hosting the race while Belmont Park undergoes major renovations.
The race is contested at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles on dirt with a $2 million purse. This year’s field features a strong and competitive nine-horse lineup highlighted by a rematch between Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and Derby runner-up Renegade. At the onset, Renegade is the morning line 2026 Belmont Stakes Odds favorite at 2-1 for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Chief Wallabee sits as the second choice at 3-1. While Golden Tempo is around 9-2.
In turn, the race sets up as a fascinating mix of Derby form, fresh challengers, and proven routers on Saratoga’s big, sweeping track. It promises to deliver a strong conclusion to the 2026 Triple Crown season.
2026 Belmont Stakes
The 2026 Belmont Stakes takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. This is the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes, and the third and final time it will be held at Saratoga while Belmont Park undergoes major renovations. Specifically, the race is scheduled for a post time of 7:04 p.m. ET. Coverage on FOX begins earlier in the afternoon with the full Belmont Stakes Racing Festival broadcast leading up to the main event.
Saturday’s race is the final jewel of the 2026 Triple Crown series. And it features a strong field, with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo among the top contenders. Saratoga Race Course will host a full day of racing with the Belmont Stakes as the featured event.
Overall, this is a high-quality and competitive nine-horse field. The race shapes up as a battle between Renegade’s tactical advantage and the late-running power of Golden Tempo and Chief Wallabee. Saratoga’s sweeping turns and big track should reward horses with stamina and efficient trips.
2026 Belmont Stakes Top Contenders
Renegade
Renegade is the top choice after finishing a close second in the Derby. Trained by Todd Pletcher with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard from post 4, he has excellent tactical speed and a strong closing kick. Most important of all, he owns the ideal post to control the early pace on Saratoga’s wide turns. Many analysts see him as the horse to beat with his proven class and fresh legs after skipping the Preakness.
Chief Wallabee
Chief Wallabee ranks as the strong second choice. He is trained by Bill Mott, with Junior Alvarado riding from post 3. Previously, this colt finished a solid fourth in the Kentucky Derby despite a wide trip. He has shown strong late pace, excellent Saratoga workouts, and a pedigree that should enable him to handle the distance well. Finally, he offers high win potential at a fair price.
Golden Tempo
Golden Tempo is the Kentucky Derby winner and a major 2026 Belmont Stakes Odds player. Accordingly, he is trained by Cherie DeVaux with Jose Ortiz riding from the far outside post 9. Previously, he overcame a terrible start and wide trip to win the Derby by a neck. His powerful closing style and stamina are big assets. But the outside post could force him to cover extra ground on a track that favors inside-to-middle paths.
Commandment and Emerging Market
Both are the next tier of online wagering contenders. Commandment brings strong early speed and a good pedigree for the distance. At the same time, Emerging Market (trained by Chad Brown) offers consistent closing ability and tactical versatility.
2026 Belmont Stakes SBG Odds Free Picks
To summarize, Chief Wallabee finished a solid fourth in the Kentucky Derby despite a wide trip. He has shown strong late pace, excellent recent workouts at Saratoga, and a pedigree that fits the 1¼-mile distance perfectly. Many handicappers view him as the horse with the best combination of current form, trip versatility, and value in a wide-open field.
2026 Belmont Stakes SBG Best Bets: Chief Wallabee.