The countdown to the 2025 Belmont Stakes is officially underway. This year’s race takes place on Saturday, June 7, at Saratoga Race Course in New York. With Belmont Park still under renovation, Saratoga once again hosts the final leg of the Triple Crown.
The $2 million purse has drawn a mix of seasoned winners and rising hopefuls. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has named several potential starters. Each one brings a unique background, recent form, and team strategy to the table. Let’s check them out here:
Sovereignty continues to dominate the early conversations around Belmont. He’s trained by Bill Mott and will be ridden by Junior Alvarado. This colt, sired by Into Mischief, has three wins and two second-place finishes in six starts.
His Kentucky Derby victory showed he has both speed and stamina, so his betting odds are likely high. Skipping the Preakness to rest may work in his favor. The break could help him come into the Belmont fresh and ready to fire.
Journalism adds an interesting angle to the field. He’s trained by Michael McCarthy and is expected to reunite with jockey Umberto Rispoli. This son of Curlin has an impressive record with five wins, one second, and one third from seven starts. Above all, his late surge to win at the recently concluded Preakness turned heads.
His team has not yet confirmed a Belmont appearance. Still, fans are hopeful to see him chase another major win. His stamina and strong closing style would make him a threat if he ran at Saratoga. A decision is expected soon, especially with his camp closely watching workouts.
Rodriguez looks to carry momentum into the Belmont Stakes. Bob Baffert trains him, and Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith will be back aboard. Rodriguez is by Authentic, the 2020 Kentucky Derby winner, and owns two wins, two seconds, and one third from five starts.
He made a strong impression with his win in the Wood Memorial in April. That performance, combined with his elite connections, makes him a serious contender. His blend of early speed and experience could suit the Saratoga layout.
Baeza showed he belongs among the top-tier runners. He’s trained by John Shirreffs and will be ridden by Flavien Prat. Baeza is by McKinzie and holds one win, two seconds, and a third from five starts. He impressed many with his third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
His ability to stay close to the pace at Churchill Downs showed a competitive edge. With more seasoning, Baeza could take a step forward in this race. Many believe he has the tools to make a bigger impact at Saratoga.
Hill Road continues to gain attention. Chad Brown trains this Quality Road colt, though his jockey has yet to be named. His current record stands at two wins and two thirds from five starts. Hill Road recently took the Peter Pan Stakes, a notable prep for the Belmont.
His performance that day revealed a promising mix of patience and power. If he adjusts well to the distance, he could be surprised. Some believe he’s peaking at the right time. Observers also note that his tactical speed could be an asset in Saratoga’s unique layout.
Grande enters the mix with solid numbers and strong backing. He’s trained by Todd Pletcher and expected to be ridden by Dylan Davis. Grande, a son of Curlin, has two wins and one second from three starts. He finished second in the Wood Memorial, holding his own against seasoned competition.
He skipped both the Derby and Preakness to rest and train. That move may give him an advantage in freshness. His limited starts haven’t stopped bettors from seeing him as a possible upset pick. His camp believes a focused approach to this single target could pay off.
Heart of Honor is another name to watch. Trained by Jamie Osborne and ridden by Saffie Osborne, this colt has two wins and four seconds in seven races. He’s by Honor A. P. and finished fifth in the Preakness Stakes after a mid-pack run.
His connections believe he’s still improving. Many see him as a longshot who could exceed expectations. His steady development has made him a quiet but interesting entry for fans and bettors alike. There’s a sense that he hasn’t shown his best yet, which adds to his intrigue.
The NYRA expects at least eight horses to line up for the 2025 Belmont Stakes. So far, seven have been officially named, leaving room for at least one more to join the field. Seize the Grey, the recent Preakness winner trained by D. Wayne Lukas, remains a strong possibility.
The final lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, which is common for a race of this scale. Trainers often hold off on decisions until they evaluate recent workouts, track conditions, and forecasts. Everything will come into focus during the official draw on Monday, June 2.
