Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes, a champion-making race that has been around since 1867, stands as the grueling finale of the much-beloved, highly coveted Triple Crown. Nicknamed the Test of the Champion, it demands immense talent and stamina from thoroughbreds.

Though steeped in tradition, the Belmont's distance and location have surprisingly shifted throughout history. Even the race order with the Kentucky Derby and Preakness wasn't always fixed, with the Belmont leading the disrupted 2020 series due to COVID.

Belmont Stakes History

Legendary feats mark the Belmont's past. Sir Barton's 1919 victory became the first Triple Crown win, and Secretariat's record-shattering 31-length win in 1973 remains unmatched. However, heartbreak also shadows the Belmont.

23 horses fell short of Triple Crown glory after conquering the first two races, including legends like Northern Dancer. Record crowds witnessed such near misses, with over 120,000 attending in 2004 when Smarty Jones' dream was dashed.

Belmont Stakes 2024

2024 ushers in yet another change. Renovations at Belmont Park forced the 156th running to Saratoga Race Course, with a shortened distance of 1 1/4 miles. Despite these evolutions, the Belmont Stakes' historical significance remains undeniable.

With a staggering 40 Belmont winners enshrined in the Hall of Fame, it surpasses both the Derby (36) and Preakness (34). The Belmont Stakes continues to be a captivating test of equine excellence, where tradition and competition intertwine, constantly rewriting racing history.

Belmont Stakes 2024 Lineup

The 156th Belmont Stakes shakes things up this year! While there's no Triple Crown on the line, excitement builds as Kentucky Derby victor, Mystik Dan and Preakness champion, Seize the Grey clash in this historic race.

As stated earlier, this year's Belmont features a few twists. Due to Belmont Park renovations, the race will be held at Saratoga Race Course for the first time, with a shortened distance of 1 1/4 miles – a slight reprieve from the usual grueling 1 1/2 miles. Adding to the intrigue is a strong field of ten contenders.

Belmont Stakes 2024 Post Positions and Odds

1. Seize the Gray  (Jaime A Torres) 8-1

2. Resilience 10-1 (Junior Alvarado)

3. Mystik Dan  (Brian Joseph Hernandez) 5-1

4. The Wine Steward (Manuel Franco) 15-1

5. Antiquarian (John R Velazquez) 12-1

6. Dornoch  (Luis Saez) 15-1

7. Protective (Tyler Gaffalione) 20-1

8. Honor Marie  (Florent Geroux) 12-1

9. Sierra Leone  (Flavien Prat) 9-5

10. Mindframe (Irad Ortiz Jr) 7-2

Belmont Stakes 2024 Predictions

This lineup boasts a strong field of 10 contenders, offering a mix of proven winners, Derby hopefuls seeking redemption, and intriguing unknowns.

Despite Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan and Preakness champion Seize the Grey, the morning-line favorite is Derby runner-up Sierra Leone. This Chad Brown trainee narrowly lost to Mystik Dan in a photo finish at the Derby and boasts an impressive speed figure. However, trainer Brown opted to skip the Preakness, focusing solely on a Belmont victory.

Todd Pletcher throws two interesting entries into the mix. Mindframe, a relative newcomer, is surprisingly the second favorite. While victorious in his latest race, he faces a massive step up in competition and distance. Pletcher's other contender, Antiquarian, deserves a closer look. His win at the Peter Pan Stakes showcases his talent, and he outran fellow Belmont entrant The Wine Steward in that race.

Mystik Dan, the Derby winner, enters at 5-1 odds. Trainer Ken McPeek takes a rare risk by running him in all three Triple Crown races despite the demanding turnaround. While Mystik Dan has proven his ability, fatigue could be a factor.

Seize the Grey, the Preakness champion, rounds out the contenders with single-digit odds. His Preakness win showcased his strength, but a faster field at Belmont could challenge his ability to control the pace.

This year's Belmont promises an exciting clash between established champions and rising stars. With a mix of experience and potential, any horse could emerge victorious.

How Much Are Belmont Stakes 2024 Tickets?

How To Watch The 2024 Belmont Stakes Online

The race kicks off at 6:41 PM EDT, but the excitement starts much earlier! Fox Sports will be providing extensive coverage throughout the day, beginning at 4:00 PM EDT. This allows you to catch the pre-race buzz and all the early races leading up to the main event.

For cable subscribers, watching the Belmont Stakes live is simple. Just tune in to Fox –  be sure to check your local listings for the exact channel number.

Prefer to stream online? The Fox Sports app and FoxSports.com will also be offering a live stream, but you'll need to sign in with your cable TV provider credentials to access it.

No cable? No problem! Stay connected with the race through social media. Follow accounts like @markcstory, @cdrummond97, @kentuckysports, or @heraldleader on Twitter (now X) for live updates and expert insights. Additionally, the Kentucky.com and KentuckySports.com Facebook pages will be sharing photos and links throughout the event, ensuring you don't miss a single moment.

Craving in-depth post-race analysis? Head over to Kentucky.com.  They'll have detailed reports and expert opinions on the race and its outcome, providing a comprehensive look at the Belmont Stakes.

So, mark your calendars, choose your viewing platform, and get ready for an electrifying year for Belmont Stakes!