Nine-Horse Belmont Stakes Field Heads to New York Rematch in 2026
Nine 3-year-olds will contest the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 5, 2026, in a New York rematch of the Derby’s top two finishers after Derby winner Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness. Renegade is the 2-1 morning-line favorite, with Vitruvian Man, Powershift, Chief Wallabee, Ottinho, Growth Equity, Commandment and Emerging Market also in the field. The race is shortened to 1 1/4 miles due to Saratoga’s track configuration. Notable connections include Irad Ortiz Jr. on Renegade, Jose Ortiz on Golden Tempo, John Velazquez on Commandment, Junior Alvarado on Chief Wallabee, and trainerst Todd Pletcher and Cherie DeVaux among others. Belmont Park’s return to Belmont Park in 2027 after redevelopment is also noted.
