All Belmont Stakes horses are worth closer assessment, so that’s what our handicappers do on this page. They look at the form figures, past performances and pedigrees of all runners in this feature event of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and analyze it all. We start by telling you the field.

Belmont Stakes 2025 Horses List

Eight go in the final field of Belmont Stakes horses running at Saratoga Race Course for the third and final leg of the Triple Crown this year. In amongst those are the respective winners of the other feature races for three-year-old thoroughbreds, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

Following the draw on June 2, we have the Belmont Stakes post positions for all runners and Morning Line odds for each horse. Here are those eight runners:

1. Hill Road – 10-1
2. Sovereignty – 2-1
3. Rodriguez – 6-1
4. Uncaged – 30-1
5. Crudo – 15-1
6. Baeza – 4-1
7. Journalism – 8-5 fav
8. Heart Of Honor – 30-1

Profiles of Belmont Stakes Horses 2025

With this year’s possible Belmont Stakes field above, each of the runners deserves a deep dive into their form and chances. That’s where our pro handicappers come in. We asked the Belmont Stakes Betting Sites team of experts for individual analysis of the whole field:

1. Hill Road

Irish import who made the show in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Filled same spot in Tampa Bay Derby on first start for new barn, and improved for run when landing Grade III at Aqueduct from McAfee latest. One of the more interesting Belmont contenders 2025 for an owner investing plenty in thoroughbreds around the world.

2. Sovereignty

Churchill Downs triumph, coming from behind in the Kentucky Derby on a sloppy track and given time off since. Shaped like this distance would be ideal when placed in Florida Derby before that. Obviously one of the leading 2025 Belmont Stakes horses on that evidence. A worthy favorite after connections swerved the Preakness and a Triple Crown bid, prioritizing this.

3. Rodriguez

Scratched from Kentucky Derby with minor problem. Left out of the Preakness too, but one of the likely Belmont runners following this break. Won Grade II at Aqueduct latest. Something to find with Journalism on San Felipe Stakes form, yet he’s fresher than most. Barn has won this race three times in past. Worthy of his place in the Belmont Stakes 2025 field.

4. Uncaged

Completes horses running in the Belmont Stakes this year. Saratoga maiden winner as a juvenile and another minor race success around Aqueduct in April. No match for Hill Road at same venue when only sixth latest. One of the likely longshot horses in Belmont Stakes betting markets as a result.

5. Crudo

Career best with Listed victory on Preakness card latest. Successful stepped up in trip beyond a mile for the first time there and wasn’t stopping. Something to find with the leading Belmont Stakes horses on bare form, yet bred for further progress over longer distance. Barn has won this four times before.

6. Baeza

Placed behind Rodriguez before going one better at Santa Anita earlier in the campaign. Twice behind Journalism since, first in Santa Anita Derby and when making the show in Kentucky Derby latest. Unlucky not to turnabout California form at Churchill Downs, however, and one of the horses in the Belmont Stakes 2025 bettors should respect.

7. Journalism

Caught on the home stretch by Sovereignty in Kentucky Derby after graded wins around Santa Anita. Defied two-week turnaround to land the Preakness in determined, gutsy fashion from Gosger latest. One of the leading Belmont Stakes horses 2025, but this a third hard race in just fine weeks. Will test his toughness and durability against a fresher main market rival.

8. Heart Of Honor

Bad start cost this British raider when fifth in the Preakness latest and shaped with real promise when just held a nose in UAE Derby before that. Must jump well from the gate here and to be given more practice. One of the Belmont Stakes contenders to note for transatlantic father-daughter trainer-jockey duo.

Belmont Stakes 2025 Horses & Jockeys to Follow

The old saying goes that good horses make good jockeys, but pilots can also give their mounts fine rides. Those on board Belmont Stakes 2025 contenders must be at the top of their game to win it. One the draw is made, it’s up to the jockey to have a plan in the saddle.

Sometimes, Belmont Stakes horses post positions aren’t ideal. There’s a danger they may get squeezed out along the fence from a low draw or forced wide around the turns from a high gate. There are a couple of active riders with two previous wins in the Belmont field trying to add a third victory.

Irad Ortiz Jr. triumphed in 2016 aboard Creator and again in 2022 when riding Mo Donegal. He rides Hill Road this time.

John Velazquez, meanwhile, last enjoyed success in the Belmont in 2012, but had also won it before in 2007. Crudo is his mount in 2025.

Joel Rosario doesn’t have a ride in the Belmont Stakes field 2025, but previously partnered successful horses in 2014 and 2019.

Luis Saez has done best in recent years with victories in 2021 and 2024. He takes the ride on longshot Uncanged.

Other active jockeys to have won the race before but only once include Kent Desormeaux, Jose Ortiz, Manny Franco and Javier Castellano.

It’s not just jockeys that are Belmont Stakes winners of course, but the trainers and other staff in the barn who help prep them for the big day. Todd Pletcher, who has two runners this year, have four previous victories in the Belmont.

FAQs

What horses are running in the Belmont Stakes 2025?

Among the Belmont field 2025 are the Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and second Journalism, who won the Preakness Stakes subsequently. Baeza, Crudo, Heart Of Honor, Hill Road, Rodriguez and Uncaged complete the line-up.

Are Belmont Stakes runners male or female?

Gender isn’t an issue Belmont Stakes horses at all. Both male horses, be they colts, ridglings or geldings, and female ones (fillies) can compete in the race. The only restriction is their age.

How many horses in the Belmont Stakes?

There’s a field of eight Belmont horses set to race in this year’s edition.

Which horses are among the Belmont Stakes favorites this year?

Among the Belmont favorites this year are Kentucky Derby 1-2-3 Sovereignty, Journalism and Baeza. The second won the Preakness Stakes since. All other runners have bigger Belmont Stakes odds and on the Morning Line.

How old are Belmont Stakes horses?

All Belmont horses 2025 are only eligible for a run if they are three-year-olds. Race conditions of entry mean it is impossible for those of any other age to take part.