breeders cup Justify (1), with jockey Mike Smith up, crosses the finish line to win the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race and the Triple Crown, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Countdown to the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
The approach to the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga brings a surge of energy for handicappers seeking sharp reads before the big weekend. Let ‘em Run plans full coverage and sets the table with a breakdown of the Late Pick 5 at Churchill Downs for Saturday, June 30, 2026. The sequence features five stakes races and offers a strong warm‑up for players who want rhythm and confidence heading into Festival week. Viewers can join Friday’s Happy Hour at 3 p.m. and Saturday’s preview at 12:30 p.m. on Sports Talk Media Network and across multiple streaming platforms.
Looking Back at Belmont at The Big A
Before shifting to Churchill Downs, we review our performance in the Late Pick 5 at Belmont at The Big A on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The sequence delivered surprises, strong efforts, and several key notes for future plays.
Race 6: Longshot Sparks the Sequence
Gold Sovereign, our top choice, ran a determined race and finished second behind Versailles, a front‑running longshot guided by Manny Franco. Versailles produced a $66.24 payoff and set an aggressive tone for the sequence. Mortal Lock, our speed play, never found rhythm and treated the race like a workout. We keep him in mind for his next start.
Race 7: Equipment Change Pays Off
Intricate Spirit responded to the addition of blinkers and delivered the effort we expected. He paid $5.40 and showed sharper focus throughout the race. His improvement signals more competitive outings ahead.
Race 8: Confident Single Delivers
Classicist stood out as a single in horizontal wagers, and he backed up that confidence with a strong stretch run. He paid $4.68 and kept many tickets alive as the sequence moved into deeper waters.
Race 9: A Wide‑Open Challenge
Freaky, our top pick, fought hard but settled for fifth in a race that tested every handicapper. Middle Market, our second choice, ran a sharp race and finished second at $9.36. His consistency continues to impress and points toward more opportunities.
Race 10: A Tough Break and a Strong Comeback
Cuando, our speed play of the day, showed trouble as soon as the gates opened and never recovered. Innate scratched, which shifted attention to Shape Note. Dylan Davis guided him to the winner’s circle as he continues his comeback from serious injuries earlier this year. His progress suggests a strong Saratoga meet ahead.
Tools for Belmont Stakes Weekend
Handicappers who want deeper insight for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival should check out the Brisnet Ultimate 2 Day Handicapping Package for June 5 and 6. The $24.99 package offers pace figures, data, and analysis that help players attack both days, including Belmont Stakes Saturday on June 6.
