The second year in a row where we can't utilize the "easy and successful" 12f configurations which consistently pointed out the main players at Belmont Park at that 1-1/2 mile distance. So miss those days!!

This year, we have a very small and compact field of the best three year olds of the season, each one with an easy argument to take the trophy. Where to begin? Where to look? How to handicap?

The odds for this year will not be pretty for the gambler unless you take the plunge with a straight bet, but even then, each one stands out with either merit, breeding, skill or talent. Pick any one of them and a case can be made.

No, this year, the Belmont Stakes should be viewed in an entirely different way.

This is not about gambling, it is more about witnessing the best of the best vying for the Classic Distance trophy. A prelude to the Travers and the Breeder's Cup Classic, possibly, but it becomes a test of speed, a test of stamina, a test of style. It also becomes a test for the 6 jockeys as well, with no outside interference. Straight-up horse racing.

Every one of these horses has a reason to walk into that gate at Saratoga as the one to beat. Not one stands above the other. You may argue that Journalism is the obvious standout, however, just like the others, there is a reason to single him on top and there is a reason not to.

It may seem like a disappointing race on the surface, with its lack of competitors, the eventual odds and the shorter 10f distance outside of Belmont Park. A huge argument can be made against that. This potential field is holding the very best of the crop.

To screw it up with some otherwise obvious subpar colts who really have no business being in the race would have "cheapened" this contest and they would have only served the purpose of offering advantage tokens out to a chosen few. Cutting out the clutter now becomes a straight up merit-based contest.

The 2025 Belmont Stakes, run at 10f at Saratoga, will end up being one the biggest and most important races of the year. An absolutely killer field of only the best. Who else could have possibly competed against these 6 horses at 10f at Saratoga?

SOVEREIGNTY Into Mischief

DP = 2-3-3-0-0 (8) DI = 4.33   CD = 0.88 ANZ = 7.00

Mare Profile = 3-10-5-7-4   Speed = 13   Stamina = 11   Index = 1.05   Triads = 18-22-16

JOURNALISM Curlin

DP = 4-5-7-0-0 (16) DI = 3.57   CD = 0.81 ANZ = 3.57

Mare Profile = 6-5-4-7-7   Speed = 11   Stamina = 14   Index = 0.84   Triads = 15-16-18

RODRIGUEZ Authentic

DP = 1-1-2-0-0 (4) DI = 3.00   CD = 0.75 ANZ = 3.00

Mare Profile = 4-5-8-12-2   Speed = 9   Stamina = 14   Index = 0.88   Triads = 17-25-22

HEART OF HONOR Honor A.P.

DP = 2-2-6-0-0 (10) DI = 2.33   CD = 0.60 ANZ = 3.67

Mare Profile = 12-2-4-2-9   Speed = 14   Stamina = 11   Index = 1.25   Triads = 18-8-15

BAEZA McKinzie

DP = 1-1-4-0-0 (6) DI = 2.00   CD = 0.50 ANZ = 2.00

Mare Profile = 9-6-2-9-6   Speed = 15   Stamina = 15   Index = 1.13   Triads = 17-17-17

HILL ROAD Quality Road

DP = 3-2-9-2-0 (16) DI = 1.46   CD = 0.38 ANZ = 2.08

Mare Profile = 10-2-3-6-10   Speed = 12   Stamina = 16   Index = 0.86   Triads = 15-11-19

As far as an analysis on these guys this year, honestly, what else could possibly be said about any one of them? No, this year will be different. Once the Post Position draw takes place on Monday, June 2nd, at 11:00am and the Past Performance Sheets have been released, I will update this article.

This year, the update will be an in depth look into why each one SHOULD WIN and why each one COULD LOSE. An added bit of insight to your handicapping if you even decide to bet on this race. I'm thinking that the undercard may be a much better attack for profit this year. The Belmont Stakes is more of an exciting "Test of the Best" this year, best left for viewing and not gambling.

This means that Brian and Gerard are off the hook for a Head to Head on this race, but they will be tapped for the Haskell and the Travers!

Saturday's June 7 program includes five Grade 1 races and eight stakes races in total.

Metropolitan Handicap at 8f - We'll look into this race as well.

Jaipur Stakes at 5.5f turf .

Resorts World Casino Manhattan at 9.5f turf.

Woody Stephens at 7f. - Maybe this one too.

Wonder Again at 8.5f turf for fillies.

True North at 6.5f for dirt sprinters.

Pennine Ridge at 8.5f on turf.

Belmont Stakes at 10f.

The Belmont Stakes this year is 101% bias and merit. All 6 of these horses are good to go for 10f and it will be a matter of running style on whatever that bias ends up being. We have no speedy leads who are questionable with distance which means the track bias will hold the key for each one of them. No matter what, the dirt races will be tracked throughout the day on June 7th and also updated on this article as well.