2026 Belmont Stakes: The finalized field is officially set at a tight, elite group of 9 confirmed classic contenders.
2026 Belmont Stakes: Zero active contenders in the lineup carry a native local main track route win, completely neutralizing the lifetime track filter.
2026 Belmont Stakes: Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade is the established 2-1 morning-line favorite and will break from post position 4 under Irad Ortiz, Jr.
2026 Belmont Stakes: Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo (9-2) drew the outside post 9, targeting a second classic trophy completely fresh after skipping Baltimore.
2026 Belmont Stakes: Chief Wallabee sits as the strong 3-1 second choice from post 3; he enters off a closing fourth in Louisville for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
2026 Belmont Stakes: The presence of front-running threats Growth Equity (post 6) and Powershift (post 2) injects verified early speed into the tracking map.
2026 Belmont Stakes: West Coast invader Vitruvian Man (30-1) will trigger the action from the rail post 1, wielding a premium 9.8 OPI Pedigree Index.
2026 Belmont Stakes: The high-stakes post-position draw concluded live on Monday, June 1, locking in the official tactical corridors for all 9 runners.
2026 Belmont Stakes: Trainer Chad Brown holds a potent three-pronged attack featuring Peter Pan winner Growth Equity, Emerging Market (6-1), and Ottinho (20-1).
2026 Belmont Stakes: Florida Derby winner Commandment is a dangerous bounce-back candidate at 6-1 from post 7 with legendary rider John Velazquez taking the reins.
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Gulfstream Park Features Via Borghese Stakes on Christmas Eve Card
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December 24, 2025
Hallandale Beach, Florida – The Christmas Eve featured Via Borghese Stakes for 3YO and Up fillies and mares running for a purse of $125,000 has attracted a compact field of eight turf routers, with several shippers from New York and recent sales graduates adding intrigue. The 1 3/8 miles distance suits late runners, as the pace projects to be moderate early with runners Celestial Express and Gallant Greta expected to soften up the front, setting up for the closers.
Top Contenders:
- #8 Venencia (ML 3-1): The one to beat off her sharp recent form. She exits a convincing win in the 1 1/2-mile Dowager (G3) at Keeneland in October, where she stayed strongly to beat graded rivals. That followed consistent placings in graded company earlier in the year. Now with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. (strong with new acquisitions) after a $250,000 Keeneland November sale purchase, and Tyler Gaffalione aboard, she looks primed for this cutback in trip while retaining stamina edge. Late runner with the field’s highest closing kick potential.
- #6 La Mehana (ML 5-2): Defending champion of this race (won impressively last December from off the pace). Multiple graded winner with proven Gulfstream turf success (including local route wins). Recent form dipped slightly with a fifth in the Waya (G3), but she’s dangerous fresh—now with Brad Cox (excellent trainer switch stats) after a $500,000 sale buy, and Irad Ortiz Jr. rides for the first time. Course/distance lover and the only prior winner here; scary if she rebounds to peak efforts.
- #4 Alluring Angel (ML 2-1): Morning-line favorite brings class from New York, wiring the Long Island (G3) at this 1 3/8-mile trip in November for a career-high performance. Bill Mott trainee is versatile (can stalk or close) and drops into non-graded company. Junior Alvarado retains the mount; logical threat but vulnerable if pace pressure materializes.
- #5 No Show Sammy Jo (ML 5-1): Graham Motion closer ran a huge second in that same Long Island (G3) behind Alluring Angel. Consistent at routes with strong late punch; could spice exotics if top trio hooks up early.
Others to Note:
- #7 Gallant Greta (10-1): Improving Maker runner stretches out after sharp allowance win; exotics longshot.
- #1 Louise Procter (10-1): Chad Brown debutante won U.S. bow last out; intriguing but unproven at stakes level.
- #2 Madame Mischief (20-1) and #3 Celestial Express (50-1): Likely pace factors but class questions in this spot.
Summary: Expect a closer-dominated finish. Venencia edges the nod for current sharpness and trainer upgrade, with La Mehana the main danger as the proven course specialist returning to winning scene. Alluring Angel respected but may face more pressure than last. Play closers on top in exotics; field has no reported scratches as of latest updates. Merry Christmas Eve—enjoy the action!
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