Traditionally known as the "Test of the Champion," the race asks 3-year-old thoroughbreds to handle a demanding distance, the pressure of a huge national spotlight, and the tactical nuances of a big-field Grade 1 event.

The race will take place on Sunday, June 7, at 09:04 AEST.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Renegade to win

Value bet: Each-Way on Golden Tempo

Long shot: Each-Way on Commandment

Betting Preview

For 2026, the Belmont Stakes will again be run at Saratoga Race Course rather than at its traditional home, Belmont Park, which has a big impact on how the race plays out.

Saratoga's main track is a dirt oval of about 1⅛ miles, so the Belmont is staged at 1¼ miles around two turns instead of the classic 1½-mile "marathon" configuration used downstate. That shorter trip, combined with a more standard American two-turn layout and a relatively normal-length stretch, shifts the emphasis away from extreme stamina and toward a blend of tactical speed, position and the ability to quicken off a solid pace.

All of that means that in 2026 the Belmont functions less like a one-off staying test and more like a high-class 10-furlong championship, where trip, pace and racecraft matter every bit as much as raw staying power.

The total prize purse is USD$2 million (approx. AU$2.77 million), placing it among the highest prize money horse races globally.

Betting Markets to Watch

It's worth recognising that there isn't a confirmed list of racers at the moment, although the betting odds have already installed a favourite in the antepost market.

Renegade is listed as a favourite after he ran a huge race in defeat in the Derby. He has consistently profiled as a 10-furlong specialist: tactical speed to sit in the first flight, but still with enough late punch to see out the Saratoga stretch. His race style is being tipped to be more suited than that of Golden Tempo, who is another well-fancied horse.

Golden Tempo comes in as the Derby winner and a natural headline horse, having already proved he can handle a 1¼-mile, 20-horse chaos Derby with a big, sustained run. He has been training well, and after skipping the Preakness, his freshness is seen as a big plus.

Chief Wallabee gets love as a tough, improving type who has already shown he can hold his form in big-field Grade 1s and should be comfortable at this distance.

Commandment has the classic profile and has consistently been thought of as a horse with the right tactical gear for Saratoga, however he is widely being thought of as an outsider and potentially safer for an each-way bet.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Belmont Stakes betting odds at Sportsbet.

Our prediction is that Renegade is the winner of the Belmont Stakes. If you're new to wagering on thoroughbreds, our guide to betting on horse racing covers the essentials.

Our value pick is Golden Tempo, while our long shot is Commandment for all the reasons we noted above. For more racing tips, explore our full range of previews and predictions.