The 2026 Belmont Stakes post positions will be determined at 5 p.m. ET today via random drawing at Saratoga Race Course, which continues to serve as temporary host of the third leg of the Triple Crown.
There are expected to be nine Belmont Stakes horses entered, with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo a probable favorite in the Belmont Stakes odds.
Don't miss the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6.
2026 Belmont Stakes post positions and odds
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Belmont Stakes wins by post position
Where Belmont Stakes horses start can either give them an advantage or a disadvantage right out of the gate. Here are the post positions that claim the most Belmont Stakes titles since the introduction of the starting gate in 1930.
| Post Position | Wins |
|---|---|
| 1 | 24 |
| 2 | 15 |
| 3 | 16 |
| 4 | 10 |
| 5 | 15 |
| 6 | 9 |
| 7 | 14 |
| 8 | 7 |
| 9 | 4 |
| 10 | 1 |
| 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 1 |
| 13 | 1 |
| 14 | 0 |
Best post position at the Belmont Stakes
In terms of producing Belmont Stakes winners as, the best post position at the is gate No. 1. This spot boasts 24 Belmont winners.
Worst post position at the Belmont Stakes
Gate No. 14 is the worst post position in the Belmont and has yet to produce a champ.
How is post position determined at the Belmont Stakes?
The post positions for the Belmont Stakes are determined through a random draw conducted by race officials. The draw typically takes place on the Monday of race week.
During the draw, numbered pills or balls, each representing a specific post position, are placed in a randomizer machine. The machine is then activated, and the pills are mixed thoroughly to ensure a fair selection. One by one, the pills are drawn from the machine, and the corresponding post positions are assigned to the participating horses in the order they are drawn.
The post position assigned to each horse is significant because it determines the starting position of the horse in the race. The post positions are numbered from 1 to 14, with the inside positions (closer to the rail) generally considered advantageous due to the shorter distance they have to cover to reach the first turn. However, track conditions, running style of the horse, and other factors can influence the significance of post positions in different races.
