Belmont Stakes post positions determine where each horse starts from in the big race. Our experts explain how the draw works, why it matters, and if advantageous post positions really can affect your bets on the Belmont Stakes.

How Do Post Positions for the Belmont Stakes Work?

The post draw for the Belmont Stakes usually occurs a few days prior to the race on Saturday. Race officials manage this random draw, which is important for finalizing the declarations for the starting gates from which the horses will start. If you’re figuring out how to bet on the Belmont Stakes, it’s essential to pay attention to this draw.

Post positions can occasionally affect the odds at Belmont Stakes betting sites for any horse in the competition. While there is a maximum limit of 16 horses allowed in the race, it’s uncommon to have that many participants in a single event. Since the year 2000, it’s typical to see between 8 and 10 horses competing, though there have been rare instances, like in 2003 when only six horses started.

It is worth noting that this year’s Belmont Stakes draw times and location will look different from usual. This is due to the American Thoroughbred classic’s move to Saratoga Race Course for 2024 and 2025, while Belmont Park undergoes renovations. If you have Belmont Stakes tickets for either of these races, you’ll be watching from Upstate New York.

When is the Post Position Draw for the Belmont Stakes?

The Belmont Stakes draw in 2025 takes place at 5pm ET on Monday, June 2. With eight horses confirmed for the Test of the Champion, that is within the average field size for modern editions of the race.

We have full details of the gates each horse jumps from below.

Belmont Stakes Post Positions 2026

Here’s where you’ll find Belmont Stakes post positions for this year following the draw. Remember, unlike usual, the sold-out race is at Saratoga rather than Belmont Park on Saturday, June 8. This is the draw in full:

1. Hill Road
2. Sovereignty
3. Rodriguez
4. Uncaged
5. Crudo
6. Baeza
7. Journalism
8. Heart Of Honor

Why Belmont Post Positions Matter

Handicappers and oddsmakers consider both the strength of Belmont Stakes horses and post positions they occupy. A good draw can make or break their chances.

Some stats and data support the view that inside post positions are more favorable to Belmont Stakes payouts and wins. Horses that start closer to the rail have less ground to cover on the track, which can prove positive over the 1.5 miles race distance.

Some Belmont Stakes post positions have fared better than others. For instance, gate 1 has produced 24 previous Belmont Stakes winners at a historic success rate of 18.75%. Meanwhile, a higher draws from 10, 11 ,12, and 13 have just six successes between them. Although much of this has to do with fewer horses racing from those positions.

Belmont Stakes Post Position Draw Stats

There are stats to follow regarding Belmont Stakes odds and post positions that may influence how you look at things. If you’d like to learn more about the importance of this data for the Belmont Stakes post draw, keep reading.

Best Post Positions for Belmont Stakes

Based on the numbers, the best Belmont Stakes post positions are #1 (24 wins), #3 (16 wins), and #5 (15 wins). At the time of writing, #1 has more wins than many of the other gates combined, making it popular with anyone making Belmont Stakes picks online. It would take the combined wins of #3, #9, #10, and #11 to equal the success #l has enjoyed.

The Worst Belmont Stakes Draw

The worst post positions for Belmont Stakes are wider in gates #10, #12, and #13. All three have failed to produce multiple wins, making them the most undesirable traps in the race. However, it must be pointed out that while post #1 will almost always be occupied, the higher numbers are often vacant. Field sizes are often smaller than 10 here.

Belmont Stakes Post Positions & Odds of Winners Since 2000

Looking back over the winners from certain post positions can be telling. While we have seen some upset Belmont results in recent years, the emergence of post #3, for example, has been interesting.

The following table illustrates names, Belmont post positions, and final odds for all champions in the 21st Century.

FAQs

What are the post positions for the Belmont Stakes?

These are randomly assigned gate numbers determining where each horse starts from. Post positions will be confirmed following a draw that takes place the Monday before the race, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 7. See a full rundown of each horse’s starting positions above.

How is a Belmont Stakes post position determined?

Belmont Stakes post positions come from a random draw conducted by NYRA officials. This sees all horse names written on paper before being placed into a container where they are picked out one by one until each post position is covered.

When do they draw post positions for the Belmont Stakes

Usually the Monday prior to the race. This gives race organizers and oddsmakers enough time to update their programs, betting lines, and schedules.

Do Belmont odds and post positions influence each other?

The short answer is yes. The post position draw for Belmont Stakes can impact the odds for the race. Watch out for bettor bias. For example, historic results say horses starting from gate #1 have an advantage. Oddsmakers will be aware that the number one spot has more wins than any other, with esteemed champions like Secretariat (1973) and Justify (2018) starting the race from that coveted inside position.

What is the worst Belmont Stakes post position?

Certain post positions for Belmont Stakes have produced little to no joy for bettors. High gates like the #9 post, for instance, has seen just four winners. However, given the usually truncated field size, double-digit posts are also notoriously poor at producing champions and this is often mentioned in Belmont Stakes factoids and such. Much of the reason for this is just that – many times, those posts are simply unoccupied.

Which post position has the most wins in the Belmont?

The #1 post is by far the most successful of all Belmont post positions, producing an astounding 24 winners. However, just two champions from this auspicious post have triumphed in the 21st century – this was Empire Maker in 2003 and Justify in 2018. Posts #3 and #7 have produced three winners apiece since 2000, with all wins from the #3 post coming in the past 14 years.