Belmont Stakes 2026 Picks: Commandment and Saturday's Saratoga Stakes

Ed Meyer here. Saratoga is the home of the 158th Belmont Stakes. The "Test of the Champion" goes 1 1/4 miles, and the race returns to the rebuilt Belmont Park next year! Weather looks good with a slight chance of late-day showers around 7pm. Without further delay, here is a glimpse into some free selections.

Race #7 - The G-1 Just A Game - 1 mile (inner turf) - 2:47pm

A fast pace should be expected.

#3 - Segesta = Flavien Prat in the irons for Chad Brown with this daughter of Ghostzapper. Coming off a 56 day break after winning the G1 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland and sports five works over the Saratoga training course. Prat is a turf master and scores 22% with Chad Brown. She is 5/6 ITM going a mile and should display a quick turn of foot.

Race #8 - The G-3 Great North - 6 1/2f - 3:25pm

#3 - Bentornato = He has the services of Irad Ortiz for Jose D'Angelo. They exit a quick place effort in Dubai in the G1 Golden Shaheen and they are making their 2nd start of the year. Been away for two months and shows some solid works over the deep Churchill course. This Florida-bred should be right on the pace with the aggressive Ortiz ready to pounce.

Race #9 - The G-1 Jaipur - 5 1/2f on the turf - 4:13pm

This race should favor the front runners

#6 - Ag Bullet = Daughter of Twirling Candy with John Velasquez getting the call for Richard Baltas. She has been off 6 months going a mile on the weeds in the G1 Matriarch. She should benefit turning back to a sprint where she is 3/4 ITM going short. Johnny V should have her right on the pace from the break and get busy down the lane. She is 1/1 at The Spa and sports a bullet work to show readiness.

Race #10 - The G-1 Woody Stephens - 7f - 4:52pm

Look for a quick pace in this event

#6 - Crude Velocity = Undefeated 3/3 lifetime exiting a win in the G2 Pat Day Mile. Florent Geroux has been aboard all of his efforts and trainer Bob Baffert comes East to get his picture taken. This son of Beau Liam has been working quick in the morning, and Team Baffert knows the way to the winner's circle.

Race #11 - The G-1 Metropolitan - 1 mile - 4:52pm

#6 - Knightsbridge = Son of Nyquist for the Bill Mott barn with Junior Alvarado in the saddle. He is 8/9 ITM and should be right off the leader's flank. Rider and trainer team up to win 25% as a team and are 4/4 ITM at the distance. Look for a just off the lead trip and do the heavy lifting down the lane.

Race #12 - The G-1 Manhattan - 1 3/16 on the turf - 6:11pm

#7 - Rhetorical = Irad Ortiz gets the nod for William Walden. This gelding has a strong turn of foot and Ortiz wins 33% with Walden and gets the most from his runners than most riders. Be sure and use him on this day.

Race #13 - The G-1 Belmont Stakes - 1 1/4 - 7:04 pm

#7 - Commandment = John Velasquez in the saddle for Brad Cox. Off slow with a bad troubled trip in the Derby. Prior to that he rolled off four straight wins including the F.O.Y, and Florida Derby. Toss out the Derby and you'll see solid works and a very solid runner. I think passing on the Preakness may have him sharp and ready going the same distance as the Ky Derby. - Use With Renegade and Chief Wallabee.

Saturday's card is packed with graded action - my picks above are the marquee races. For the comprehensive view on the rest of the undercard, download your WinningPonies E-Z Win® Form for Saturday's Saratoga card - it brings a clear-cut view on how every race will take shape.

Best of luck and see you in the winner's circle! - Ed.