Belmont Stakes Horses & Contenders 2024 - Expert Ranks, Post Positions & Analysis (2024)

The Belmont Stakes is always loaded with some of the top three-year-olds in racing. Find out everything you need to know about these thoroughbreds prior to race time on Saturday, June 8.

The 2024 Belmont Stakes represents the last of three Triple Crown events this year, with some of the top three-year-old thoroughbreds in training expected to tackle "The Test of the Champion."

The 156th renewal of the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course at the distance of 1 1/4-miles rather than the traditional 1 1/2-miles due to track configuration. The race is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at 6:41 p.m. ET, and we'll have the field here once post positions are drawn.

2024 Belmont Stakes horses

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey, Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna, and Derby runner-up Sierra Leone could all be part of the Belmont Stakes field this year. Check back soon for post positions and the latest Belmont Stakes odds!

Belmont Stakes field and post positions

The post positions for the 2024 Belmont Stakes will be assigned the Sunday or Monday before the race.

Will Mystik Dan run in the Belmont Stakes?

Mystik Dan is on track to make an appearance in the Belmont Stakes. Barring a last-minute change of heart from the Catching Freedom camp, Mystik Dan will be the only runner to compete in all three legs of the Triple Crown. He was second in the Preakness Stakes when last seen.

Assuming Mystik Dan runs, trainer Ken McPeek will opt for the Acorn Stakes for Thorpedo Anna rather than run his two horses against one another in the same race.

How horses qualify for the Belmont Stakes

Qualifying for the Belmont Stakes is a little different from making the grade for the previous two Triple Crown races but still requires a thoroughbred horse to be three years old and come in at a weight of 126 pounds for colts and 121 pounds for fillies.

Belmont Stakes prep races

Horses who finished Top 3 in either the Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes are given automatic spots in the Belmont, if they choose to run. Beyond that, every horse wishing to run must be Triple Crown nominated and pay a series of entry fees. As many as 14 horses can be in the Belmont Stakes field.

Triple Crown Horses

The Belmont Stakes is known as “The Test of the Champion” because it is the final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, and typically the longest of the three events at 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs). However, the 2024 season does not have a Triple Crown contender entering the Belmont, and the race will be run at 1 1/4-miles this year.

Types of Belmont Stakes horses

The Belmont Stakes is selective in which type of horses compete in one of the most historic events in North American horse racing, limiting the field to three-year-old thoroughbreds.

Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred horses are known for their long athletic builds and speed, making them ideal for racing. They’re sleeker and lighter than other breeds, which is ideal for the length of the Belmont Stakes.

Age of horses

The Belmont Stakes is limited to three-year-old horses. This age of horse is ideal for racing as they have yet to fully mature and have limited races on their resume, leaving an aura of mystery, but still post fast times and exciting finishes.

Belmont Stakes horses FAQs

Pages related to this topic