The Belmont Stakes is an opportunity for bettors to find value, predict upsets, and secure big wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the 2025 Belmont Stakes shifting from its traditional 1.5-mile distance at Belmont Park to 1.25 miles at Saratoga due to renovations, handicapping this year\u2019s race introduces new variables. Marco D’Angelo, a seasoned horse racing analyst, shares his top five picks in a recent WagerTalk TV breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give our KBO predictions<\/a> and best MLB picks<\/a> a look too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n UPDATED ON April 29, 2025 at 10:21 AM ET<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trained by Bob Baffert, Rodriguez is a speedster that missed the Derby due to a foot injury. He skipped the Preakness, giving him ample recovery time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n His edge is early speed, crucial in a race lacking pace. However, he hasn\u2019t raced since the Wood Memorial, which might be a concern over 10 furlongs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Chad Brown trainee recently scored a comeback win in the Peter Pan Stakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A true closer, his biggest challenge is the likely slow early pace which might hinder his late rally. Still, he remains a strong contender for exotic bets like exactas and trifectas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally an alternate in the Kentucky Derby, Baza capitalized on a late scratch to participate and closed impressively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He posted the fastest final 1\/16th in the Derby and could benefit if top contenders like Journalism and Sovereignty set a hot pace up front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kentucky Derby winner opted out of the Preakness to focus on the Belmont, showcasing confidence from connections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While he got a dream trip in the Derby, Sovereignty’s closing kick and freshness make him a formidable opponent again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rated as D’Angelo\u2019s top pick, Journalism impressed in both the Derby and Preakness. He did all the heavy lifting in Louisville and overcame adversity in Baltimore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the challenge of racing all three Triple Crown legs, his toughness and tenacity place him at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going to Bet the Belmont Stakes? Ride along with WagerTalk\u2019s Horse Racing Expert Marco D\u2019Angelo. Check out WagerTalk’s full video playlist of Belmont Stakes previews here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BUY MARCO’s PICKS! Marco actually Owns, Breeds and Races horses and has done so since 1986. So when Marco shares his selections you are getting information from someone that knows the sport from the Inside.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nBelmont Stakes 2025 Top Contenders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rodriguez <\/strong>(6-1)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hill Road (10-1)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Baeza (4-1)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sovereignty <\/strong>(2-1)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Journalism (8-5)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Belmont Stakes EXPERT PICKS:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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