Renegade Returns as Favorite and Awaits Golden Tempo in the Belmont Stakes

The Arkansas Derby (G1) winner once again heads the betting for the final jewel of the Triple Crown, where he will seek revenge against the Kentucky Derby hero and confirm his status among the leaders of the crop

Just over a month ago, as the 2026 Triple Crown was about to begin, Renegade stood atop the Kentucky Derby (G1) betting as the favorite. Now, with the traditional series nearing its conclusion, the son of Into Mischief once again occupies that privileged position ahead of Saturday's Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

The Todd Pletcher trainee was installed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite following Monday's post-position draw, heading a compact field of nine for the third and final jewel of the American classic series.

Owned by Repole Stable together with breeders Robert and Lawana Low, Renegade will attempt to avenge the heartbreaking defeat he suffered at Churchill Downs, where he was beaten a neck by the surprise winner Golden Tempo (Curlin), who returned $48.00 on a $2 win ticket after going off at 23-1.

Previously successful in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (L) and the Arkansas Derby (G1), Renegade delivered a highly creditable performance in Louisville despite drawing the rail and encountering significant traffic issues throughout the running.

“In a nine-horse field, post position isn't nearly as important as it is in a 20-horse Derby,” said Mike Repole. “I'm perfectly happy with post four. Honestly, I don't think any draw would have compromised his chances.”

Standing in his way once again is Golden Tempo, the colt who shook up the division and made Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.

The Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable runner drew post nine and was installed as the 9-2 third choice on the morning line.

Following his spectacular late rally at Churchill Downs, his connections elected to follow the same path taken by Sovereignty (Into Mischief) last season, bypassing the Preakness Stakes (G1) in order to arrive fresh for the Belmont.

“The draw is ideal for his running style,” DeVaux explained. “He'll be able to settle toward the back without worrying about horses crossing over in front of him. He's also improved tremendously since the Derby, both physically and mentally.”

The absence of Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map), winner of the Preakness Stakes, leaves Renegade and Golden Tempo as the clear focal points of a race that once again brings together several of the division's leading performers.

Among them is Chief Wallabee (Constitution), representing Bill Mott after a fourth-place finish in the Derby despite suffering trouble in the stretch. He will try to give Mott a second consecutive Belmont victory following last year's success with Sovereignty.

“We came away from the Derby very pleased,” Mott said. “He had issues at a critical stage and still re-rallied. That showed a lot of determination. He seems sharper and more focused now.”

Chad Brown will also be strongly represented with a trio of starters: Emerging Market (Candy Ride), winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2); Ottinho (Quality Road), runner-up in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1); and Growth Equity (Nyquist), recent winner of the Peter Pan Stakes (G3).

The field is completed by Commandment (Into Mischief), winner of the Florida Derby (G1) for Brad Cox; Powershift (Constitution), the other Pletcher-Repole representative; and Vitruvian Man (Vino Rosso), third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

With Belmont Park scheduled to reopen in September, this will be the final running of the race at Saratoga before returning to its traditional home.

And while the Triple Crown will remain unclaimed for an eighth consecutive year, the rematch between Renegade and Golden Tempo promises to provide a compelling conclusion to a season in which the leadership of the 3-year-old division remains very much up for debate.

Saturday will provide the answers.

Renegade will try to justify favoritism.

Golden Tempo will attempt to prove that what happened at Churchill Downs was no fluke.