Irad Ortiz Jr will ride Renegade, the odds-on favorite at 2-1, at the 2026 Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6. Renegade narrowly lost the Kentucky Derby after being overtaken by Golden Tempo.
What's at Stake?
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will bring this year's Triple Crown series to a close, with no Triple Crown winner this year. Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, will have a shot to win two of three.
The Competition
Golden Tempo is among the early favorites, but its come-from-behind win at the Kentucky Derby may not be repeated at the Belmont Stakes, which has a smaller field. Commandment, ridden by John R. Velazquez, is a strong contender after winning four straight races, including the Florida Derby.
The Track and Odds
The Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course, with a distance of 1¼ miles and a prize purse of $2 million. Renegade's odds of 2-1 make it the favorite, but Irad Ortiz Jr will need a clean start to put Renegade out front and keep it there.
The post time for the 2026 Belmont Stakes is 7:04 p.m. ET, and the event will be broadcast on Fox and Fox One. Irad Ortiz Jr and Renegade will face stiff competition from Golden Tempo, Commandment, and other top contenders.
The Jockeys
Irad Ortiz Jr has a strong chance of winning with Renegade, but other jockeys, including José Ortiz and John R. Velazquez, will also be competing for the top prize. The Belmont Stakes will be an exciting conclusion to the Triple Crown series, with Irad Ortiz Jr and Renegade seeking a strong finish.
On June 6, Irad Ortiz Jr and Renegade will take to the track, seeking to win the 2026 Belmont Stakes. With its strong odds and talented jockey, Renegade is a top contender for the prize. The event will be an exciting one, with many talented horses and jockeys competing for the top spot.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be an important event for Irad Ortiz Jr, who will be seeking to add another win to his record. With Renegade as the odds-on favorite, Irad Ortiz Jr has a strong chance of succeeding. The event will be broadcast on Fox and Fox One, allowing fans to watch the excitement unfold.
Irad Ortiz Jr and Renegade will face a challenging track and strong competition at the 2026 Belmont Stakes. But with its talented jockey and strong odds, Renegade is a top contender for the prize. The event will be an exciting conclusion to the Triple Crown series, with many talented horses and jockeys competing for the top spot.