With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in the rearview mirror, it’s time for the 2026 Belmont Stakes. The final jewel of the triple crown, the Test of the Champion, is typically the longest of the three races at a full 1.5 miles. However, the 2026 Belmont Stakes will run at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., rather than at Belmont Park, for the third year in a row, as renovations continue at the race's usual home. That means the distance is being reduced from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles due to the difference in the tracks’ circumferences. Below, we take a look at the current Belmont Stakes odds, post position, and expert advice for Commandment.
Commandment Belmont Stakes Predictions
- Post Position: 7
- Odds: 6-1
Commandant had the worst finish of his young career in his last race, the Kentucky Derby where he finished seventh, stopping a four-race win streak dating back to last November at Churchill Downs. Known for his exceptional stamina, he likes to run with the pack before pulling ahead late when others get tired. However, he can run into trouble (like he did at the Kentucky Derby) if he can't find room to get out of the pack when it comes time to make a move. His trainer, Brad Cox, won the Belmont Stakes in 2021 and his jocky, John Velasquez, has won it twice (2007 and 2012). Despite his track record, I'm hesitant to take him to win because of some of the competitors, but I'd absolutely use him in exotics.
-Travis Pulver
Bet: Exotics
2026 Belmont Stakes Post Positions & Odds
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Odds |
| 1 | Vitruvian Man | Doug O’Neil | Antonio Fresu | 30-1 |
| 2 | Power Shift | Todd Pletcher | Luis Saez | 12-1 |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | 3-1 |
| 4 | Renegade | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 2-1 |
| 5 | Ottinho | Chad Brown | Dylan Davis | 20-1 |
| 6 | Growth Equity | Chad Brown | Manny Franco | 12-1 |
| 7 | Commandment | Brad Cox | John Velazquez | 6-1 |
| 8 | Emerging Market | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | 6-1 |
| 9 | Golden Tempo | Cherie DeVaux | Jose Ortiz | 9-2 |
Looking for a deeper dive into the 2026 Belmont Stakes? Don't miss our complete Belmont Stakes Betting Guide, where we break down the field from top to bottom. This guide has everything you need to bet smarter on this year's Test of the Champion. Make sure to read our full preview before placing those bets.
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