2025 Belmont Stakes Picks: Predictions and Odds for All Horses

We wouldn’t be floored to see #1 Hill Road (10-1) take a leap and put in a career-best effort under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. The Chad Brown charge will appreciate the added ground. He will save ground on the fence, and I think that a few of his contenders will be tiring in the closing stages of the race, as well. He is the key to finding value, in my opinion. 

Find three more bets for budgets and further analysis by John Mucciolo here.

Hill Road (10-1 ML Odds)
Quality Road colt for Chad Brown showing steady improvement. Deep closing style could be effective at the distance. Rating: 3/5

Sovereignty (2-1 ML Odds)
Well-bred Into Mischief colt trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott. Shows an improving pattern and strong class figures. Second choice at 2-1 morning line odds with tactical speed and stamina. Rating: 4/5

Rodriguez (6-1 ML Odds)
Authentic colt from Baffert barn with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith aboard. Shows good early speed, but coming off a longer layoff. Rating: 3.5/5

Uncaged (30-1 ML Odds)
Another Pletcher trainee showing moderate figures. Will need significant improvement. Rating: 2/5

Crudo (15-1 ML Odds)
Justify colt from Pletcher barn with Johnny V aboard. Less experienced but good connections. Rating: 2.5/5

Baeza (4-1 ML Odds)
McKinzie colt, trained by John Shirreffs, is showing steady progression. Strong speed figures and versatile running style. Flavien Prat aboard is a plus. Rating: 4/5

Journalism (8-5 ML Odds)
Currently the favorite at 8-5 morning line odds. Son of Curlin showing exceptional class with the highest average speed figures. Coming off strong performances with consistent triple-digit speed ratings. Top connections with McCarthy/Rispoli team. Rating: 5/5

Heart of Honor (30-1 ML Odds)
British-bred colt with strong international form, including a respectable 5th in the Preakness Stakes (beaten 8 3/4 lengths). Previously campaigned successfully in Dubai with multiple stakes placings at Meydan, including three straight runner-up finishes in stakes company. Has won two of seven lifetime starts with four second-place finishes. Shows consistency at high levels and handles dirt well. The Jamie Osborne/Saffie Osborne team maintains faith in this improving colt. Proven stamina and class. Rating: 3.5/5

A $25 budget Belmont Stakes bet:

• 50-cent superfecta 2 with 1,6,7 with 1,6,7 with all ($15)

A $50 budget Belmont Stakes bet:

• $20 trifecta 2 with 7 with 1,6 ($40)

A $75 budget Belmont Stakes bet:

• $5 superfecta 2 with 1,6,7 with 1,6,7 with 1,6,7,8 ($60)