Belmont 2026: Lack of Early Speed Not Good For Golden Tempo, Renegade
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — As the field for next Saturday’s $2 million Belmont Stakes at Saratoganears completion, one factor has become apparent: the pace scenario is unlikely to approach the hot early tempo seen in the Kentucky Derby five weeks ago.
That development could have a significant impact on both Golden Tempo and Renegade, who capitalized on a swift Derby pace to rally from the back of the pack and finish first and second, respectively.
Field Smaller, Speed Limited
The Belmont is expected to draw about half as many runners as the Derby and includes far fewer horses with natural early speed. The field lost one likely pacemaker when Chip Honcho was withdrawn from consideration on Wednesday.
Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Derby winner Golden Tempo, said tactical decisions will be left to jockey Jose Ortiz.
“We’ve never wanted to change his running style,” DeVaux said. “It does leave him vulnerable to pace dynamics not working in his favor. If there’s not a contentious pace, he should be closer, in theory.”
Renegade’s Energy and Adaptability
Renegade, runner‑up in the Kentucky Derby, was forced into a troubled trip after breaking from the rail, getting bumped several times early and dropping to 15th. He closed strongly under Irad Ortiz Jr., falling just a neck short of Golden Tempo.
The colt previously won both the Arkansas Derby and Sam Davis Stakes with late surges, but was not far off the pace in either contest.
“I think Renegade is tractable enough that if they’re not going that fast, he can be a little closer than he has been,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “In the Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby we expected enough pace for Irad to let him settle and run his race. But he’s adaptable enough to adjust to a really slow pace.”
Powershift Also in Pletcher’s Camp
Pletcher also sends out Powershift, who could benefit from a slower early tempo. The colt enters off a maiden victory going 1 1⁄16 miles at Churchill Downs, where he stalked within one length of the lead throughout.
In his previous start, the Tampa Bay Derby, Powershift broke poorly and never got into a comfortable position, finishing sixth, 9 ½ lengths behind The Puma.
“He didn’t get off well at Tampa, and that took him out of the position we wanted,” Pletcher said. “He was behind horses and taking more kickback than in his debut. Things didn’t go right from the start, and we didn’t feel he performed as well as he could.”
Final Preparations at Saratoga
On Friday, Renegade and Powershift recorded their final Belmont work over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga, breezing a half‑mile together in 48.81 seconds, according to Daily Racing Form. Their gallop‑out times were 1:01.95 for five furlongs and 1:14.70 for six. Renegade started a half‑length ahead on the inside, with positions reversed from last week’s joint work.
“They got a good run at the pole, were in full flow starting off the half, and they clicked off 12‑second furlongs from there,” Pletcher said. “I thought they galloped out well. I was happy with it.”
Renegade will again wear his three‑quarter glue‑on shoes, which he has used throughout the season.
“It’s preventative more than anything,” Pletcher explained. “Knock on wood, his feet have been good. He’ll stay in glue‑ons like he has all year.”
Belmont Field and Draw Schedule
As of Friday, the projected Belmont field stood at 10, with nine confirmed and a decision on Kentucky Derby third‑place finisher Ocelli pending his Sunday work at Churchill Downs.
The other definites are:
Chief Wallabee, Commandment, Golden Tempo, Emerging Market, Growth Equity, Ottinho, Renegade, Powershift, and Vitruvian Man.
Post positions will be drawn Monday afternoon.
Vitruvian Man Ownership Expands
Vitruvian Man, third in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4 in his most recent start, will enter the Belmont Stakes with new ownership.
Run Fast Racing, a partnership including rap artists Lil Yachty, Lil Wayne, and Rauw Alejandro, has purchased an interest in the colt from owner‑breeder Glenn Sorgenstein, trainer Doug O’Neill and Adam Kluger of Run Fast Racing confirmed.
Kluger, a music industry veteran, manages the Run Fast Racing operation, which he said will expand to more than 20 horses this summer.
“Glenn said, ‘Let’s get something done,’ ” Kluger said, noting the deal was finalized last week as part of the stable’s growth.
Vitruvian Man has one win in six starts, a maiden victory at Keeneland last October. In the Santa Anita Derby, he finished 9 ½ lengths behind winner So Happy, who later ran ninth in the Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs.
