The road to Saratoga is beginning to take shape.
With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes now in the books, the focus shifts to the 2026 Belmont Stakes, where a talented — and fascinating — group of 3-year-olds could square off in the final leg of the Triple Crown. From Derby winner Golden Tempo to late-developing newcomers like Powershift, this year’s possible Belmont field blends proven Grade 1 talent with fresh faces hoping to peak at the perfect time.
Here’s an early breakdown of the possible starters as of May 26, 2026:
Golden Tempo
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Last Start: 1st — Kentucky Derby (G1)
The Kentucky Derby upset winner immediately becomes one of the biggest storylines heading into Saratoga. Golden Tempo shocked the racing world at big odds beneath a perfectly-timed ride and now has a chance to capture a second Triple Crown race. Questions remain about whether the Derby effort was a career-best peak or the beginning of something even bigger, but there’s no denying he belongs at the top of the conversation.
Renegade
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Start: 2nd — Kentucky Derby (G1)
Renegade continues to look like one of the most naturally talented horses in this crop. After finishing second in the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness, the Belmont could set up perfectly for his tactical style and stamina. Todd Pletcher has historically excelled in Belmont-type races, and many handicappers still believe (myself included) that Renegade may ultimately prove to be the best 3-year-old of the group.
Ocelli
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Last Start: 4th — Preakness Stakes (G1)
The maiden Ocelli didn’t quite fire his best shot in the Preakness, but his consistency as of late still makes him intriguing stretching back out in distance. He’s the type of horse who could benefit from a more honest pace scenario like he got in the Derby.
Chief Wallabee
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Start: 4th — Kentucky Derby (G1)
Chief Wallabee remains one of the more polarizing contenders in the division. He ran respectably in Louisville but never truly threatened late. Running 1 1/4 yet again and expected pace setup may suit him better, especially if the race turns into a stamina battle rather than a sprint home.
Commandment
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Start: 7th — Kentucky Derby (G1)
One of the more fascinating horses in the field, Commandment entered the Derby off major wins earlier in the prep season but failed to deliver at Churchill Downs. Still, many believe he was compromised by pace and trip dynamics. If Brad Cox can get him back to his Florida Derby form, he immediately becomes a serious Belmont threat.
Emerging Market
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Start: 10th — Kentucky Derby (G1)
Emerging Market never found his footing in the Derby after entering with considerable hype following his Louisiana Derby win. Running only his third race in the Derby may have caught up with him, and the Belmont may ultimately be a much better fit than the chaotic Derby pace scenario.
Potente
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Start: 12th — Kentucky Derby (G1)
Potente was never comfortable in the Derby and faded badly, but writing off a Bob Baffert trainee in a Triple Crown race is always dangerous. His raw talent remains undeniable, and a cleaner trip with less traffic could produce a much improved effort.
Ottinho
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Start: 2nd — Blue Grass Stakes (G1)
Ottinho skipped the Derby and Preakness after a strong Blue Grass performance and now enters the Belmont as a fresh face with upside. Chad Brown has had success targeting races like this with lightly raced horses, and Ottinho profiles as one of the more dangerous sleepers in the field.
Growth Equity
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Start: 1st — Peter Pan Stakes (G3)
Historically, the Peter Pan Stakes has served as a productive Belmont prep, and Growth Equity stamped himself as a legitimate contender with an impressive victory there. He appears to be improving at the right time and could offer tremendous value if he continues progressing.
Chip Honcho
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Start: 3rd — Preakness Stakes (G1)
Chip Honcho delivered a strong effort in the Preakness, overcoming a demanding pace setup to finish third. Steve Asmussen praised the colt’s professionalism after the race, and his tactical versatility could become a major asset in Belmont’s unique setup.
Talk to Me Jimmy
Trainer: Rudy Rodriguez
Last Start: 2nd — Peter Pan Stakes (G3)
Talk to Me Jimmy nearly stole the Peter Pan and now takes aim at a much bigger prize. While he still needs to prove he belongs with the top tier of this crop, his recent form suggests he’s moving in the right direction at the perfect time.
Powershift
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Start: 1st — Maiden Special Weight
Every Belmont season features at least one wildcard entrant, and Powershift may be this year’s mystery horse. It’s unusual to see a maiden winner potentially jump directly into a Triple Crown race, but Todd Pletcher has never been afraid to take calculated shots with talented late bloomers.
What makes Powershift especially intriguing is the ownership connection. Like stablemate Renegade, Powershift races for Repole, opening the door to a potential “1-2 punch” strategy for Team Repole in the Belmont Stakes. At the very least, Powershift could help ensure an honest pace scenario for the late-running Renegade — something that could dramatically impact the shape of the race.
Early Belmont Stakes Outlook
The 2026 Belmont Stakes is shaping up as one of the most intriguing Triple Crown finales in recent memory. Will Golden Tempo prove his Derby victory was no fluke? Can Renegade finally secure a signature win? Or will a fresh shooter like Growth Equity, Ottinho, or Powershift emerge as the new star of the division?
With several top Derby horses potentially returning — and multiple fresh contenders entering at the right time — the Belmont could ultimately answer the biggest question in the sport right now:
Who is truly the best 3-year-old in America?
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