The highly anticipated 157th Belmont Stakes is just around the corner, scheduled for June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. With post time set for 6:41 p.m. ET, fans can catch the excitement as it will be broadcast live on FOX.
Expert horse racing analyst Chris “The Bear” Fallica shares his insights and betting recommendations for this prestigious race. His picks include:
1. **Hill Road (+1000)** – Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Irad Ortiz, Hill Road impressed in his last outing as the Peter Pan winner but may struggle to capture the win in a crowded field. However, he could still finish in the top three.
2. **Sovereignty (+200)** – Trained by Bill Mott and jockeyed by Junior Alvarado, this Derby winner showcased remarkable ability but may face hurdles with pace. Despite this, he’s a strong contender and essential for multi-race wagers.
3. **Rodriguez (+600)** – Bob Baffert’s horse, with Mike Smith as jockey, could serve as a pace factor. Though he has faced recent challenges, his performance history suggests he may play a role in the race.
4. **Uncaged (+3000)** – While showing potential in previous outings, trainer Todd Pletcher’s Uncaged has not proven to be a serious threat in graded stakes.
5. **Crudo (+1500)** – Another one of Todd Pletcher’s horses, Crudo has demonstrated speed in previous races. However, his chances of placing in the top tier are uncertain.
6. **Baeza (+400)** – Trained by John Shirreffs, Baeza has potential for improvement but has faced tough competition in previous races, which may limit his effectiveness here.
7. **Journalism (+160)** – The standout entry from Michael McCarthy, Journalism comes fresh off a solid performance in the Derby and a win at the Preakness. He could make history by winning this race after placing in both prior legs of the Triple Crown.
8. **Heart of Honor (+3000)** – With Jamie Osborne as trainer, this horse struggled at the Preakness and may face further challenges in this race.
Fallica suggests various betting strategies, emphasizing the value of adjusting wager amounts according to one’s budget. His experience in sports and horse racing positions him as a reliable advisor for those looking to place bets on the Belmont Stakes.
A positive outlook on this year’s race reflects the excitement and competitive atmosphere surrounding the Belmont Stakes, promising an eventful day for fans and bettors alike.