Kentucky Derby Winner Golden Tempo Headlines 2026 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga

The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo returns to the track for the final leg of the Triple Crown, drawing post position 9 with 9-2 odds. Due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, this marks the third consecutive year the race is being held at the Saratoga venue.

Field Details and Betting Outlook

The Belmont Stakes field features a highly anticipated rematch between Golden Tempo and Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade. According to the New York Racing Association, betting markets opened on Wednesday with Renegade positioned as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux, enters the race after skipping the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park to allow for additional recovery time.

The decision to bypass the Preakness ended any possibility of a Triple Crown sweep this year. Instead, DeVaux focused on a six-week preparation period for the colt, which included a 4-furlong work in 48.20 seconds at Keeneland. Other notable entries include Chief Wallabee, who also holds competitive odds in the field, as reported by NY Sports Day.

Race Logistics and Viewing Information

The 2026 Belmont Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, with an approximate post time of 7:04 p.m. ET. Fans can view the race through several broadcast and digital platforms:

• Television: FOX and FS1
• Streaming: FOX One and Fubo

Saratoga Race Course remains the temporary home for the “Test of the Champion” while the traditional Belmont Park facility undergoes modernization. Official records indicate that the event is slated to return to Belmont Park in 2027.

The Impact of the Preakness Decision

The choice to skip the second leg of the Triple Crown has been a central theme in the lead-up to the race. By avoiding the Preakness, the connections of Golden Tempo prioritized the colt’s long-term health and a singular focus on the Belmont. This strategy stands in contrast to the typical Triple Crown campaign, where horses face a condensed schedule. Renegade, the Derby runner-up who lost by a neck at Churchill Downs, remains the primary challenger for the title, setting up a rematch that has defined the racing narrative since the Derby results were finalized.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Belmont Stakes

• Event Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026.
• Venue: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York.
• Headlining Horse: Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Post 9, 9-2 odds).
• Primary Rival: Renegade (2-1 morning-line favorite).
• Broadcast: Coverage available on FOX, FS1, and streaming services.

As the racing world turns its attention to Saratoga, the focus remains on whether Golden Tempo can replicate his Churchill Downs performance or if the field, led by Renegade, can overcome the Derby winner in this final Triple Crown event of 2026.