Each year, America’s Best Racing compiles a slideshow with photos of the talented cast of 3-year-olds on target for the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets. The 2026 edition of the Belmont Stakes will be hosted for the third straight year by Saratoga Race Course. Because of the venue change from Belmont Park, a 1 ½-mile oval, to Saratoga, which is a 1 1/8-mile main track, the Belmont Stakes will be shortened for the third straight year. Saratoga’s layout makes it nearly impossible to hold 1 ½-mile races on the main track, therefore the Belmont Stakes will be held at 1 ¼ miles in 2026 as it was the previous two editions.

This year’s Belmont Stakes is headlined by the top-two finishers of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve: winner Golden Tempo and runner-up Renegade. In fact, the top-four finishers from the Kentucky Derby appear to be on target to return for the Belmont Stakes. For most of the horses expected to compete in final jewel of the Triple Crown, we were able to find a nice mix of photos to show fans their competitive side as well as a bit of their personality. The contenders appear in order by accomplishment with profile photos, workout images, and racing pictures when available.