The 2025 Belmont Stakes is fast approaching, and horse racing enthusiasts are gearing up for a thrilling race that could make history. With big names like Journalism and Sovereignty in the mix, as well as some surprising underdogs, this year’s race is expected to offer plenty of action. Let’s break down the 2025 Belmont Stakes contenders, their odds, and expert predictions.
The Top Horses and Their Odds
- Journalism (8-5): The Preakness Stakes winner is entering the Belmont Stakes as the favorite. Journalism has proven himself this year, and many believe he has the stamina and experience to perform well in the Belmont.
- Sovereignty (2-1): The Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, is another strong contender. After missing the Preakness, Sovereignty is back and ready to prove himself on the track once again.
- Baeza (4-1): Baeza has made a name for himself, and though he’s not the favorite, many see him as a solid competitor with a good chance of pulling off a strong finish in this race.
- Rodriguez (6-1): This horse is one of the surprises of the 2025 Belmont Stakes field. Despite not competing in a Triple Crown race yet, Rodriguez posted a high-speed figure that makes him an interesting pick. He’s a bit of a wild card, but his odds at 6-1 could offer great value.
- Hill Road (10-1): Hill Road, at longer odds, could be one to watch. While not among the top contenders, he could surprise people and perform above expectations.
- Crudo (15-1): Another underdog in the field, Crudo’s odds reflect his less established status, but anything can happen in the Belmont Stakes.
- Uncaged (30-1): With the longest odds, Uncaged is a longshot, but his odds should not be dismissed outright. Longshots have occasionally made an impact in this race.
- Heart of Honor (30-1): Along with Uncaged, Heart of Honor enters the Belmont Stakes with 30-1 odds. While unlikely to win, he could still play a role in the race’s outcome.
Expert Predictions for the 2025 Belmont Stakes
One of the standout experts in the horse racing world, Jody Demling, has made some bold predictions for the 2025 Belmont Stakes. Demling, who correctly predicted the top three finishers at the Kentucky Derby and nailed the Preakness exacta, is not sold on the favorites Sovereignty and Journalism. While both have been impressive in their respective Triple Crown races, Demling points out that neither has won consecutive races.
Why the Favorites Are Not the Top Picks
Sovereignty and Journalism have each won one of the Triple Crown races, but Demling believes that the odds for these two favorites are a bit inflated. Neither horse is entering the race having won both of their previous races in the Triple Crown series, and with only eight horses in this year’s Belmont Stakes field, the dynamics are different from the crowded Kentucky Derby.
While both horses are talented and have earned their spots as favorites, Demling suggests that the field is wide open, and there could be better value in underdog picks. He recommends considering other options, especially those that might not be getting as much attention as the big names.
Rodriguez: A Value Pick for the Belmont Stakes
Demling’s surprising pick for the 2025 Belmont Stakes is Rodriguez (6-1). Despite not competing in the Kentucky Derby due to a minor injury, Rodriguez posted a career-high speed figure of 111, making him a real threat in the Belmont Stakes. His odds at 6-1 could offer an excellent return if he lives up to his potential. If you’re looking for value, Rodriguez could be the horse to back.
Key Factors to Consider
- Track Size and Field Size: The Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course this year, and with only eight horses in the field, the dynamics of the race will be different from the crowded Kentucky Derby. This could make for a more competitive and unpredictable race.
- Pace and Distance: The Belmont is known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its grueling 1 1/2 mile distance. Horses with the stamina to maintain a strong pace throughout the race tend to do well.
Conclusion: Who to Bet on in the 2025 Belmont Stakes?
The 2025 Belmont Stakes field is packed with talent, but based on expert predictions and analysis, Rodriguez could offer the best value at 6-1 odds. While Sovereignty and Journalism are strong contenders, their odds don’t offer much betting value considering they haven’t dominated the Triple Crown this season.
With only eight horses in the race, the Belmont Stakes could feature surprises, and backing Rodriguez might just be the smart move for bettors looking to make a profit.
