Belmont Stakes
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be run June 6th at 7:04 PM ET at Belmont Park over 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on dirt for three-year-olds due to temporary track renovations. As the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes traditionally tests stamina at 1½ miles, though distance adjustments during renovation periods alter the race’s historical dynamic.
While shortened from its traditional configuration, it remains a pivotal championship race that often determines divisional leadership among three-year-olds.
Post Position Trends (Since 1930)
The starting gate has been used consistently since 1930, making post statistics from that year forward historically comparable.
Most wins by post position (since 1930):
Post 1 — 24 wins (most of any gate)
Post 5 — 14 wins
Post 4 — 13 wins
Post 3 — 13 wins
Unlike the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes has not produced a long-term statistical anomaly tied to a specific post position. Field sizes are typically smaller than the Derby, which historically reduces the impact of draw position relative to pace and stamina.
When contested at the traditional 1½-mile distance, sweeping turns and the long Belmont stretch place greater emphasis on rhythm and energy distribution rather than inside positioning.
Fastest Winning Times
The Belmont Stakes is traditionally contested at 1½ miles (12 furlongs).
Fastest winning times in history (1½ miles):
Secretariat — 2:24.00 (1973), still the stakes and track record
Easy Goer — 2:26.00 (1989)
Secretariat’s 2:24.00 remains the fastest 1½ miles ever run on dirt and one of the most iconic performances in racing history.
(If contested at 1¼ miles in 2026, final times will not be historically comparable to the traditional 12-furlong records.)
Triple Crown Context
The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
There have been 13 Triple Crown winners in history, most recently Justify.
Historically, the Belmont Stakes has been the most difficult leg to win due to its traditional 1½-mile distance — a trip rarely attempted by modern three-year-olds. The extended distance has frequently exposed stamina limitations, preventing many Triple Crown bids from succeeding.
Historical Favorite Performance
Since 1908, 43 betting favorites have won the Belmont Stakes.
That represents approximately 37% of all runnings during the pari-mutuel era.
Recent winning favorites include:
Justify (2018)
American Pharoah (2015)
Essential Quality (2021)
Historically, favorites have performed slightly better in the Belmont than in the Kentucky Derby, in part due to smaller field sizes and more predictable pace structures.
Longshot & Upset Trends
While the Belmont Stakes has produced notable upsets, extreme longshots are less frequent than in the Kentucky Derby.
Notable higher-priced winners include:
Sarava — 70-1
Da' Tara — 38-1
Drosselmeyer — 13-1
Because of the extended distance (in traditional runnings), pace collapse is less common than in the Derby, and races often reward tactical positioning and sustained stamina rather than chaotic late rallies.
Contender Watch List (Updated Throughout Prep Season)
The following horses are on the early radar for the 2026 Belmont Stakes. This list will be updated as prep races conclude and qualifying points are finalized.
Horse Name
Trainer:
Running Style: (Front-runner / Presser / Stalker / Closer)
Notable Prep Result:
Strength:
Primary Concern:
Evaluation paragraph.
Horse Name
Trainer:
Running Style:
Notable Prep Result:
Strength:
Primary Concern:
Evaluation paragraph.
Horse Name
Trainer:
Running Style:
Notable Prep Result:
Strength:
Primary Concern:
Evaluation paragraph.
Horse Name
Trainer:
Running Style:
Notable Prep Result:
Strength:
Primary Concern:
Evaluation paragraph.
Trackside Profits Official Selection
Our official Belmont Stakes selection, confidence level, and wagering structure will be released 48 hours before post time once final entries, post positions, and projected pace scenarios are confirmed.
