The 2018 Belmont Stakes took place on June 9, 2018, with an official post time of 6:37 PM ET. Contested at Belmont Park, this 150th running of the "Test of the Champion" saw Justify make history as the 13th Triple Crown winner, completing the 1.5-mile race in 2:28.18.
Looking back from 2026, the 2018 Belmont Stakes remains a watershed moment in American Thoroughbred racing. It wasn't just a race; it was the culmination of a meteoric rise for a horse that hadn't even raced as a two-year-old. The event drew over 90,000 fans to Elmont, New York, all gathered to witness whether Bob Baffert could secure his second Triple Crown in four years. This profile examines the technical specifications of the race, the field of contenders, and the tactical execution that defined the 150th Belmont Stakes.
The 150th Running: Context and Significance
The 2018 Belmont Stakes carried immense weight because of the "Apollo Curse." Before 2018, no horse since Apollo in 1882 had won the Kentucky Derby without having raced as a two-year-old. Justify broke that century-old curse, then survived the grueling mud of the Preakness Stakes. By the time the Belmont arrived, the racing world was polarized: some believed Justify was a "super horse," while others argued he was fatigued and vulnerable to the "Big Sandy" surface of Belmont Park.
The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown races at 12 furlongs (1.5 miles). Its unique configuration, featuring massive sweeping turns and a deep, sandy loam surface, often catches out horses accustomed to the 1.25-mile limit. In 2018, the race served as the ultimate test of Justify’s endurance and Mike Smith’s veteran leadership in the irons.
2018 Belmont Stakes Official Post Time and Broadcasting
While the official post time was scheduled for 6:37 PM ET, the actual gates opened at approximately 6:46 PM ET following the traditional singing of "New York, New York." The event was the centerpiece of a 13-race card that included several Grade 1 stakes, such as the Metropolitan Handicap and the Manhattan Stakes.
The broadcast coverage was handled by NBC, which provided multi-hour coverage leading up to the main event. For bettors and fans, the timing was critical as the late afternoon shadows at Belmont Park can occasionally affect a horse's vision entering the final turn, though the 2018 race was held under clear, bright conditions with a fast track rating.
The Full Race Field: Horse Profiles and Odds
The 2018 field consisted of 10 horses. While Justify was the heavy favorite, the "Belmont Specialists"—horses with stamina-heavy pedigrees—were expected to give him a fierce challenge.
1. Justify (1-4)
Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, Justify entered the race undefeated. His profile was one of raw power and high cruising speed. Despite concerns about the three-week turnaround from the Preakness, his physical stature suggested he could handle the 1.5-mile distance.
2. Gronkowski (24-1)
Named after the NFL star Rob Gronkowski, this horse was a late arrival from Europe. Many discounted him due to his lack of experience on American dirt, but his pedigree suggested significant closing kick.
3. Hofburg (9-2)
Considered the "wise guy" horse of the race, Hofburg was trained by Bill Mott. He had a light racing schedule, which many thought would leave him fresher than Justify. His seventh-place finish in the Derby was better than it looked on paper due to a troubled trip.
4. Vino Rosso (8-1)
A Todd Pletcher trainee, Vino Rosso had already won at the 1 1/8-mile distance in the Wood Memorial. Pletcher is known for his success in the Belmont, making this horse a major threat in the eyes of handicappers.
5. Tenfold (12-1)
After a surprising third-place finish in the Preakness, Tenfold proved he belonged with the elite of the class. Trained by Steve Asmussen, he was expected to sit just off the pace.
2018 Belmont Stakes Full Results and Payouts
The race played out in clinical fashion for the favorite, though the closing charge from the longshots created a thrilling finish for those playing the exotic wagers.
| Finish | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | 4-5 (Closed 1-4) |
| 2nd | Gronkowski | Jose Ortiz | Chad Brown | 24-1 |
| 3rd | Hofburg | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Bill Mott | 9-2 |
| 4th | Vino Rosso | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 8-1 |
| 5th | Tenfold | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Steve Asmussen | 12-1 |
| 6th | Bravazo | Luis Saez | D. Wayne Lukas | 8-1 |
| 7th | Noble Indy | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher | 30-1 |
| 8th | Restoring Hope | Florent Geroux | Bob Baffert | 30-1 |
| 9th | Blended Citizen | Kyle Frey | Doug O'Neill | 15-1 |
| 10th | Free Drop Billy | Robby Albarado | Dale Romans | 30-1 |
Payouts (on a $2.00 bet):
- Justify: $3.60 Win, $3.50 Place, $2.80 Show
- Gronkowski: $13.80 Place, $7.00 Show
- Hofburg: $3.70 Show
- $2.00 Exacta (1-6): $89.00
- $1.00 Trifecta (1-6-4): $229.50
- $1.00 Superfecta (1-6-4-8): $1,051.50
Technical Race Analysis: How the Race Was Won
The 2018 Belmont was a masterclass in pace management by Mike Smith. Starting from the rail (post position 1), Justify needed a clean break to avoid being pinned against the fence. Smith sent the horse aggressively, clearing the field within the first furlong.
The Fractional Times
The fractions tell the story of a horse that was never truly under duress:
- 1/4 Mile: 23.37
- 1/2 Mile: 48.11
- 3/4 Mile: 1:13.21
- 1 Mile: 1:38.09
- 1 1/4 Mile: 2:02.90
- Final Time (1 1/2 Mile): 2:28.18
By maintaining a steady pace of roughly 24 to 25 seconds per quarter-mile, Justify effectively took the "sting" out of the closers. Usually, a horse that leads the Belmont from start to finish is susceptible to late chargers in the final 200 yards. However, because Smith allowed Justify to relax on the backstretch, the horse had enough reserve to repel a late, surging run from Gronkowski, who had trailed the field by double-digit lengths early on.
The Role of Restoring Hope
There was significant post-race discussion regarding Restoring Hope, also trained by Bob Baffert. Ridden by Florent Geroux, Restoring Hope took an unusual wide path early in the race, which some analysts suggested acted as a "buffer" to keep other contenders away from Justify. While the stewards looked at the race, no action was taken, and the result stood.
The Track and Conditions at Belmont Park
Belmont Park is often referred to as "The Big Sandy" due to its 1.5-mile circumference and deep, tiring surface. On June 9, 2018, the track was rated Fast. The weather was warm, approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which favored horses with high fitness levels.
Unlike the 2018 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, which were both marred by rain and slop, the Belmont offered a fair, dry track. This allowed Justify to showcase his true athletic ability without the variable of footing issues. His final time of 2:28.18 was the fastest Belmont since American Pharoah's 2:26.65 in 2015, further cementing his status as one of the greats.
The Jockey and Trainer Legacy
With this win, Mike Smith became the oldest jockey to win a Triple Crown at age 52. His calm demeanor and tactical precision were praised by analysts as the deciding factor in the race. Smith’s ability to "ration" Justify’s speed over 12 furlongs is a feat of athleticism and equine psychology.
For trainer Bob Baffert, the 2018 Belmont Stakes was his second Triple Crown victory, joining a very short list of trainers who have achieved the feat twice (the only other being James "Sunny Jim" Fitzsimmons, who won with Gallant Fox in 1930 and Omaha in 1935). This victory propelled Baffert into a unique echelon of sporting history, though later years would bring different types of scrutiny to his stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the exact post time for the 2018 Belmont Stakes?
The official scheduled post time was 6:37 PM ET on Saturday, June 9, 2018. The horses actually broke from the gate at 6:46 PM ET.
Who won the 2018 Belmont Stakes?
Justify won the race, ridden by Mike Smith and trained by Bob Baffert. With this victory, Justify became the 13th winner of the American Triple Crown.
What were the betting odds for Justify in the Belmont?
Justify opened at 4-5 on the morning line but closed as a heavy 1-4 favorite ($1.25 for every $1.00 bet). This reflected the betting public's high confidence in his ability to complete the Triple Crown.
How many horses ran in the 2018 Belmont Stakes?
A total of 10 horses competed in the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes. This was a relatively standard field size for the final leg of the Triple Crown.
What happened to Justify after the 2018 Belmont?
Shortly after the race, Justify was retired to stud due to a persistent ankle filling. He ended his career undefeated with six wins in six starts, having swept the Triple Crown in a span of just 112 days from his debut.
Who came in second in the 2018 Belmont Stakes?
Gronkowski, a 24-1 longshot, finished second. He made a massive late run from the back of the pack to finish just 1 3/4 lengths behind Justify.
Final Perspective: Looking Back from 2026
From the vantage point of 2026, the 2018 Belmont Stakes is remembered as the end of an era. Justify was the last horse to win the Triple Crown before significant changes in horse racing regulations and the introduction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). His undefeated run remains a statistical anomaly and a testament to the sheer physical brilliance of a horse that rose from obscurity to immortality in less than four months.
For fans of the sport, the 2018 Belmont stands as a perfect example of how a dominant favorite can meet the highest expectations under the most intense pressure imaginable. If you are researching this race for historical betting data or speed figure comparisons, the 2018 edition remains a benchmark for modern dirt racing performance at the classic 1.5-mile distance.
