2026 Belmont Stakes Preview: Renegade Leads Field at Saratoga

The 2026 Belmont Stakes is set to take place at the Saratoga Race Course this Saturday, featuring a competitive field of nine horses vying for the $2 million purse. Renegade enters the race as the 2-1 morning-line favorite, looking to secure a major victory after a narrow second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. The field also includes Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, who is currently listed at 9-2 odds, alongside other notable contenders such as Chief Wallabee, Commandment, and Emerging Market.

Expert handicapper Gene Menez, known for his long track record of successful Triple Crown predictions, has provided his analysis for the upcoming event. Menez has notably opted to fade Golden Tempo, suggesting that the Derby winner benefited from a specific pace setup that is unlikely to repeat at Saratoga. Instead, Menez is favoring a horse he believes is positioned for a perfect trip, while also highlighting a double-digit longshot that could provide significant value for bettors.

This year’s Belmont Stakes carries added intrigue as the racing community evaluates whether the Derby winner can sustain momentum or if a fresh challenger will emerge on the Saratoga track. With Menez’s history of identifying high-payout opportunities—including successful exacta and trifecta calls—his insights offer a critical perspective for those looking to navigate the betting landscape of this year's final Triple Crown leg. Post time for the event is scheduled for 7:04 p.m. ET.