As the 2026 Belmont Stakes approaches, horse racing enthusiasts anticipate a historic event on June 6. This year marks the 158th running of the oldest Triple Crown race, but instead of its traditional home at Belmont Park, the stakes will unfold at Saratoga Race Course in Upstate New York. This move, now in its third year, is due to a comprehensive renovation project at Belmont Park. The relocation brings with it a notable change in the race’s length, now set at 1 1/4 miles rather than the customary 1 1/2 miles.
In the lineup, Renegade, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby, emerges as the frontrunner with 9-2 odds. Close behind are Chief Wallabee at 5-1 and Commandment at 6-1. Meanwhile, Golden Tempo, the unexpected victor at the Derby with 30-1 odds, returns to the track after bypassing the Preakness, currently standing at 9-1 odds. Those looking to place their bets would do well to consult Jody Demling, an esteemed horse racing expert at SportsLine, known for his insight and precision in predicting outcomes.
Demling is a well-respected figure in the horse racing community, renowned for his accurate predictions. His track record includes correctly forecasting the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and selecting 11 of the last 22 Preakness winners. Notably, he also predicted the winner of the Belmont Stakes four times in the past eight years, including a successful exacta in 2022. Those who have followed his guidance on horse racing betting platforms have often seen substantial returns.
With the 2026 Belmont Stakes field now finalized, Demling has shared his latest picks and insights on SportsLine. Interested bettors can find his expert predictions and strategic advice there.
Top 2026 Belmont Stakes predictions
Among his insights, Demling advises caution regarding Golden Tempo, despite the horse’s Kentucky Derby triumph. After sitting out the Preakness, Golden Tempo returns refreshed, but Demling notes a concerning drop in performance. The horse’s speed figures declined from 116 at the Louisiana Derby to 109 at Churchill Downs. Given the Belmont’s distance mirrors that of the Kentucky Derby, this decrease could spell trouble for Golden Tempo in longer races.
Golden Tempo’s unexpected surge from last to first in the Derby was aided by a series of favorable conditions unlikely to repeat at Saratoga. Demling is skeptical about the horse’s prospects, predicting it won’t even place in the top five. “I don’t believe the setup of this race will be anything like it was in the Derby, which was perfect for a deep closer,” Demling remarked to SportsLine. For those seeking which horses to back, Demling’s analysis on SportsLine remains an invaluable resource.
How to make 2026 Belmont Stakes picks, bets
Demling is especially high on an epic longshot who “will make a big jump” to win it all. Anyone who backs this sleeper pick could hit it big. Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2026 Belmont Stakes leaderboard, over at SportsLine.
Which horse wins the Belmont Stakes 2026, and which stunning longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2026 Belmont Stakes odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Demling’s picks for the Belmont Stakes, all from the expert who has nailed four of the last eight winners.
