Belmont Stakes: How Kentucky Derby Results Shape the Triple Crown
The Belmont Stakes stands as the thrilling final chapter in horse racing’s celebrated Triple Crown. Each year, the atmosphere leading up to Belmont Park reflects excitement and anticipation. The outcomes of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes set the stage for an epic showdown. In this article, we’ll examine how the 2025 Kentucky Derby shaped this year’s Belmont Stakes, the top contenders to watch, and what makes the final leg so special for racing fans.
The Road to the Belmont Stakes
The journey to the Belmont Stakes begins at Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown season. The 2025 Kentucky Derby saw Sovereignty win with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard, overcoming muddy track conditions and a field full of strong contenders. As highlighted on NBC News, the atmosphere was electric and the race drew widespread attention.
Understanding how horses perform in the Derby is crucial for anyone following the Triple Crown trail. The Kentucky Derby not only spotlights speed and stamina but also exposes which horses can handle pressure and unpredictable elements such as weather. For instance, heavy-favorite Journalism finished second in 2025, setting up high expectations for the next stages of the series. More about the 2025 Derby horses and their odds can be found in CBS News' coverage.
Key Contenders at Belmont Stakes 2025
With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness completed, fans turn to the likely entrants of the Belmont Stakes. Horses who perform well in the earlier races often command significant attention—yet the Belmont’s longer distance tests a new set of skills. In 2025, both Sovereignty and Journalism are expected to feature prominently, but contenders like Burnham Square and Sandman may prove to be strong challengers.
Gene Menez, a respected handicapper, notes in his CBSSports.com breakdown that some horses who weren’t favorites in the Derby or Preakness could surprise everyone at Belmont due to the race’s unique demands. Tactical speed, stamina, and recovery from prior efforts all play an outsized role in determining the winner.
Why Belmont Stakes Is the True Test
Called “The Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes features the longest distance in the series at 1½ miles. This grueling requirement often catches horses unprepared if they excel only at shorter distances. For historical perspective, the last time a horse captured the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018—an accomplishment that only twenty have achieved.
Track conditions and pace strategy become especially important. In 2025, with several Derby and Preakness standouts likely to appear at Belmont, spectators can look forward to one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Trainers and jockeys must adjust tactics, while fans analyze past performances—particularly how each horse finished in the Derby and Preakness.
Triple Crown Dreams and Final Reflections
The Belmont Stakes is more than just a race: It is a culmination of months of preparation, hope, and drama. While not every Kentucky Derby champion wins the Belmont, their performances invariably influence the betting public and expectations. If you want a deeper dive into the Derby’s results and their impact on the season, you can read a detailed Kentucky Derby 2025 recap.
As the crowd gathers in New York for the 2025 Belmont Stakes, attention remains fixed on the stars who shined at Churchill Downs. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual observer, watching the pursuit of the Triple Crown never fails to deliver excitement. Who will step into racing history this year? Stay tuned for a finish fans won’t forget.