Jun 2, 2025; Saratoga, NY, USA; A Belmont Stakes sign outside the grandstands at Saratoga Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The third jewel in Horse Racing’s Triple Crown takes place this coming Saturday in Elmont, NY, as the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes takes place. (Random Cocktail Party Trivia—The Belmont Stakes is the oldest of all the Triple Crown races). Here is an overview of the horses expected to run, listed by their post position:
1. Hill Road
Three year old filly Ivory and Ebony, with jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. up, is led from to the track after finishing second in race 5 at Keenland in Lexington, Kentucky on Monday, April 7.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Analysis: Prepping nicely for this race, including a recent win in the Peter Pan Stakes.
2. Sovereignty
Jockey Junior Alvarado outside trainer Bill Mott’s barn Wednesday, April 30, 2025, where 2025 Kentucky Derby contender Sovereignty is stalled Wednesday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Alvarado will ride Sovereignty May 3, in the Kentucky Derby.
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Analysis: The Kentucky Derby winner skipped the Preakness to prepare for the Belmont.
3. Rodriguez
2025 Kentucky Derby contender Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, works April 30, 2025 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jockey: Mike Smith
Analysis: Won the Wood Memorial but missed both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with an injury. Could be a decent longshot.
4. Uncaged
Jockey Luis Saez gives a thumbs up after winning the Kentucky Oaks 2025 with Good Cheer at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. May 2, 2025
Jockey: Luis Saez
Analysis: Overmatched against these horses.
5. Crudo
Jockey John Velazquez wins the Kentucky Derby aboard Always Dreaming in May 2017.
Jockey: John Velazquez
Analysis: Owned by Bobby Flay, Crudo won the Sir Barton Stakes, but this might be a big step up in competition.
6. Baeza
Zulu Kingdom, with jockey Flavien Prat up, leads the pack to the finish line to win the 34th running of The American Turf, Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Louisville Ky.
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Analysis: Finished third in the Kentucky Derby after coming in second in the Santa Anita Derby. Could surprise.
7. Journalism
Jockey Umberto Rispoli atop Kentucky Derby 3-1 favorite Journalism on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, just under a week before the 151st Running of the Roses on May 3.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Analysis: Won the Preakness with a great stretch run and should give Sovereignty all he can handle
8. Heart of Honor
May 14, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Preakness Stakes entry, Heart of Honor breezes during morning workouts at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Analysis: Made a late run in the Preakness but is a bit overmatched in this field.
