2025 Belmont Stakes Odds: Contenders With Iconic Records

The 157th Belmont Stakes is set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. With a $2 million purse and a five-day festival leading up to it, this year’s race is more than just a marquee event. It features a field of standout horses with proven records that shape both the betting board and the narrative heading into the race. Check them out here: 

Sovereignty

This colt arrives at Saratoga with a 6-start record that includes 3 wins and 2 seconds, along with a standout win in the Kentucky Derby. He clocked 2:02.31 for the mile and a quarter and made a well-timed move through the stretch. That win came on top of earlier victories in the Street Sense Stakes and Fountain of Youth, both graded stakes that confirmed his rising star status.

His win in the Derby alone gives him a place in racing history, but skipping the Preakness also helped preserve his form. He’s the only contender aiming for the Derby-Belmont double this year. With consistent workouts, including a recent five-furlong breeze in 1:02.54 at Saratoga, and tactical speed, Sovereignty’s resume reflects the kind of horse built for championship campaigns. 

Sovereignty isn’t just a favorite on paper, but also a proven contender with momentum. Based on the  Belmont Stakes current odds, he remains the safest pick for a win bet. Coming off a big Kentucky Derby win, Sovereignty earned those 8-5 odds. While the payout might not turn heads on a straight win, he’s the anchor pick bettors can trust in more ambitious parlays or exotic wagers. 

Journalism

With a 7-start record showing 5 wins, 1 second, and 1 third, Journalism has yet to run a poor race. His Preakness Stakes win is the most recent highlight, where he rallied from five lengths behind to win by 1/2 a length. He also placed second in the Kentucky Derby, giving him top-two finishes in the season’s biggest races, an impressive feat in a field where few handle fast fractions and long distances effectively.

What makes his record iconic is the combination of reliability and toughness. He’s battled in back-to-back Triple Crown races without showing wear, and he adjusts to different paces and positions. A second Triple Crown win would mark him as the season’s most accomplished runner. His ability to hold form under pressure sets him apart from flashier but less durable rivals.

Baeza

This runner hasn’t posted a marquee win yet, but his record is built on consistency. In five starts, Baeza has never finished worse than third. His most notable performance came in the Kentucky Derby, where he rallied late to take third behind Sovereignty and Journalism. He closed the final quarter in 24.76 seconds, one of the strongest finishes in that race.

His record stands out for steadiness and stamina. Baeza has hit the board in every try, including a runner-up finish in the Santa Anita Derby. Most recently, he completed a six-furlong workout in 1:12.40 at Santa Anita, a move that shows he’s keeping sharp ahead of his next big test. While others rely on pace or position, Baeza finishes strong, no matter what unfolds ahead of him.

Rodriguez

Rodriguez has won 3 of his 5 starts and already owns a graded stakes victory. He didn’t run in the Derby or Preakness, but his earlier wins came with sharp fractions and clean finishes. In his last outing, he ran a 6-furlong breeze in 1:12.80, showing he’s still sharp despite the break. That kind of form fits well with Saratoga’s track and this year’s Belmont distance.

His record shines in quality, not quantity. Rodriguez has faced small fields and still managed to run like a seasoned competitor. His stalking style lets him sit just behind the leaders, waiting to strike. Though he’s skipped the spotlight races, his results in undercard stakes suggest he’s ready to compete with the top names now.

Hill Road

With a 2-for-5 record and a recent win in the Peter Pan Stakes, Hill Road is stepping into this race with momentum. His Peter Pan time came with pressure on the front end, where he battled through and still finished strong. That performance showed grit and control, especially over a field with proven allowance runners and stakes entries.

Hill Road’s form has improved in each start. After a modest maiden score, he kept climbing with a third-place finish and then his stakes win. The steady upward trend gives him an edge in confidence and timing. His forward style also makes him dangerous in a field full of closers. He may not be the favorite, but his record makes him one to respect.

Keep an Eye on the Field

Stay tuned in the days leading up to the race, as late developments can shift the outlook quickly. Final entries, post positions, and updated odds will give a clearer picture of how the field is shaping up. While these contenders lead the early conversation, there’s always room for a surprise entry or a sharp workout to bring another name into focus before Saturday’s gate opens.