Belmont Stakes Odds, Picks, Predictions & Best Bets

• I have made some of my best bets for the 2025 Belmont Stakes on Saturday
• Clever Again is my top pick to win the second leg of the Triple Crown
• Read below for my Belmont Stakes winner pick, place and show bets, along with odds

The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes is set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty is racing here as is Preakness Stakes winner Journalism. Finally, that battle in the “Test Of The Champion” should get the bettors and fans excited.

As always, I’ve done the research and analysis to bring you my top picks for the win, place, and show bets. Let’s dig in and see who has the best chance to win at Saratoga.

Odds to Win 2025 Belmont Stakes

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Odds as of June 6th at FanDuel. Grab a FanDuel promo code to bet on the Belmont, or check out other Horse Racing betting apps.

Best Bet to Win the Belmont Stakes: Sovereignty (+500)

The first thing that has to be mentioned is that this test is a 1/4 mile shorter. Saratoga is only a 1.25-mile track whereas Belmont Park is 1.5 miles. Now, this makes a difference in picks. My top pick to win the 2025 Belmont is Sovereignty, trained by William I. Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado. This well-rested colt has shown some great talent. Obviously, winning the Kentucky Derby helps, but he has three firsts and two seconds in six career starts.

While some pundits are amazed by new horse-racing metrics (and yes, some are really useful), Saratoga Springs represents a different animal. Again, closing speed is one thing, but a horse truly has to be able to run in anything. Trending weather conditions do suggest some brighter skies come race time, which should be around 7:04 p.m. ET on FOX.

While the horse sometimes starts a bit slow, I expect Sovereignty to pick up the pace right as the race turns for home. His speed is not at the level of Secretariat (yes a descendant), but that acceleration in the mud at the Kentucky Derby was hard to ignore. An extra 1/8 mile might be of benefit to the horse here.

At 5-1 odds, one has to be surprised that the horse is not closer to +200 like he was early on Friday.

Belmont Stakes Place Bet Prediction: Baeza (+350)

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Although I’m not picking him to snag the victory, it’s hard to ignore the talent and consistency of Baeza, the Kentucky Derby third-place horse and Friday morning co-favorite for the Belmont.

Baeza is a bit of a wildcard, but bettors and experts picked up on his potential to gallop quickly around this 1.25-mile track. Down the stretch at the Derby, Baeza was the fastest horse by far. He got caught behind too many horses early, and by the time Baeza got his shot, it was too late.

The key is staying a little closer at the start. If Baeza is not too far off at the final turn, then look out. He is a horse who can match Sovereignty and Journalism when it counts.

While his 7-2 odds don’t offer as much value for a win bet, Baeza is a great sandwich bet for exotics like the trifecta, especially.

Belmont Stakes Show Best Bet: Journalism (-125)

For my show bet, I’m picking Journalism, trained by Michael W. McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli.

Journalism has hit the board in all seven of his career starts, with four wins (Preakness) and a second-place finish in the Derby. His 108 Beyer Speed Figure from the San Felipe Stakes is the quickest of any three-year-old this season.

If the track is dry, Journalism really has a chance. The only slight question is that 1.25 mile track. How dry will it be?

I expect Journalism to hang back a little but try to come on strong before the head for home. Then, it all comes down to that closing extra 1/8 mile. The horse can do it. It is only a question if.

At 4-5 odds, Journalism is obviously the favorite to win and could pull it off. However, warming track conditions could play an unexpected role Saturday evening.

Belmont Longshots to Watch

While my top picks represent the most likely winners, there are at least a few more bets to consider in those more exotic wagers.

• Rodriguez (8-1): Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith this lightly-raced horse missed the Kentucky Derby and Preakness due to a foot issue. He won the Wood Memorial, though. His overall speed makes him one to watch for. Can he keep that pace?
• Hill Road (18-1): A horse that could place or show at plus money. Won the Peter Pan Stakes and though this is a step up, Hill Road can hang with the speed.
• Crudo (17-1): One of his owners is Bobby Flay. Could Crudo cook up any surprises for the Belmont? It is at least possible

Last Thoughts on the Belmont

The 2025 Belmont Stakes finally gets the Kentucky Derby rematch, but expect a twist or two in this race. This is one of those races where knowing the track and what horses are in good form is especially essential.

My top picks – Sovereignty to win, Baeza to place, and Journalism to show, could be a good start. Get creative with those and the longshots I mentioned above for your exotic bets, and the key with a field like this is to spread the smaller wagers around.

Always bet responsibly and enjoy the rush of the 157th Belmont Stakes. Good luck!