GUEST POST BY BILL DUNCLIFFE
The 2026 Belmont Stakes
We’ve reached the end of another Triple Crown season and, fortunately for my millions of devoted readers, the end of Your Faithful Correspondent’s (YFC) “Selections” for this year.
While it’s been an unprofitable go so far you can’t say the same for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to be held at the too-cutely named Belatoga, as next year the race will return to its traditional home at Belmont Park and traditional distance of a mile and a half.
A new tradition is being introduced by NYRA as well. It will cost $75 out of your wallet just to get on the grounds before you ever even place a bet Saturday. Probably will want to assuage the pain of that with some $12 beers as the normal allowance for beer filled coolers at Saratoga is not an option this weekend. All in all, it’s going to be an expensive day. Less expensive, it must be said, than following YFC’s “Recommendations” this year!
Let’s see if we can make one last stab at easing your financial pain, dear reader.
The field for the 2026 Belmont Stakes (in post position order);
Vitruvian Man
Named after Leonardo da Vinci’s famous drawing. More likely to run like Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Strong candidate…to finish last.
Powershift
One of two entered for owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher. Almost certainly in there to insure a strong pace for the other half of the entry.
Chief Wallabee
Can’t squawk about the Chief’s performance in the Derby. Was the only forwardly placed horse early in the race who was still running at the end after incurring a hard bump from the horse to his outside mid-stretch. Chief complaint is gonna be that trainer Bill Mott is always well bet at Saratoga. Would like more than morning line of 3-1 but think this guy is sitting on a big race.
Renegade
In the Derby this guy nearly got put over the rail coming out of the starting gate yet somehow recovered and still was able to work out a trip that saw him just get nipped at the wire. The second of Mike Repole/Todd Pletcher’s entries, it’s very difficult to take a stand against this guy even at a short price.
Ottinho
Based on performances to date, this half-brother to 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner might better be named Squirt Gun.
Growth Equity
Wanted to like this one a lot but have a hard time recommending horses whose “triumphs” come in 4 or 5 horse fields, as has been the case with the last two victories on this guy’s card. If this guy was in the military we’d be calling him Private Equity.
Commandment
Backers will say thou shall ignore the race this one ran in the Derby but his trouble was certainly less than that encountered by Renegade and Chief Wallabee. Holy Moses, am I the only one concerned that this winner of over $1 million is being ridden by his fourth different rider in his last four races?
Emerging Market
Thought that the normally savvy connections of Seth Klaravich and Chad Brown were asking too much too soon of this colt by putting him in the Derby in his 3rd lifetime race. Mark it down – YFC had the right read here. May emerge later this year as a force but can’t recommend here.
Golden Tempo
Derby winner comes back with Saratoga native trainer Cherie DeVaux to see if he can repeat thrilling performance on the first Saturday in May.
Selections
Like the rock and roll scene in the late 1960’s, trips are important. All due respect to Derby winner Golden Tempo but Renegade had the roughest trip of anyone and was still running hard at the end. Stablemate Powershift undoubtedly in this to set a good pace. Think Renegade turns the tables on Golden Tempo Saturday with Chief Wallabee adding some value in the exacta.
