Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith Could Shatter Triple Crown Record at 2025 Belmont Stakes—And He’s Not Slowing Down
59-year-old legend Mike Smith seeks Triple Crown glory, as fresh contenders and unbeatable favorites electrify 2025’s Belmont Stakes weekend.
- 5,780 career wins for Mike Smith
- 43-year career in the saddle
- $2 million purse up for grabs at the Belmont Stakes
- 7 consecutive wins for Good Cheer, Acorn favorite
This weekend at Saratoga, the air crackles with anticipation. Among the stars, one name stands out—Mike Smith. Almost 59, the Hall of Fame jockey refuses to quit, instead chasing history with the lightning-fast colt Rodriguez in Saturday’s $2-million Belmont Stakes.
If Smith and Rodriguez thunder home ahead of the pack, Smith will become the oldest jockey to ever claim a Triple Crown race—beating Bill Shoemaker’s long-standing 1986 record. But the storylines for Saratoga’s blockbuster 2025 card don’t end there.
Record-breaking runs, redemption arcs, and rising filly dynasties are poised to define a weekend that could transform the landscape of American horse racing.
Q: Can Mike Smith Really Make History at Nearly 59?
Mike Smith does the unthinkable, maintaining a grueling, two-hour, five-day-a-week workout regime and keeping his body razor-sharp for the biggest days in racing. Having scored 5,780 career wins, Smith insists he’s not even considering retirement.
He plans to go after the Belmont aboard Rodriguez, the promising colt who dominated the Wood Memorial and rebounded from a missed spring campaign. Victory would make Smith the oldest ever Triple Crown-winning jockey—a feat that sets social media and racing forums ablaze with speculation.
For the latest updates on the racing world, check BloodHorse or the official NYRA site.
How Is Smith Preparing for Rodriguez and Belmont Stakes Glory?
Smith and legendary trainer Bob Baffert have history: They combined for 163 wins in 607 starts together, and now pair up again with powerhouse mounts on this card. Notably, Smith guided Rodriguez to a dazzling victory in the Wood Memorial, leaving rivals far behind with superior early speed.
Q: Who Are the Other Must-Watch Belmont Contenders?
Don’t overlook Heart of Honor, the British import with morning-line odds of 30-1. After a rocky Preakness, trainer Jamie Osborne and his daughter, jockey Saffie Osborne, hope gate schooling and a gate-to-wire focus can spark a turnaround.
Osborne’s strategy is clear: minimize adversity at the gate, keep his horse in touch with the leaders, and take advantage of Saratoga’s wide stretches. Underdogs have shocked the world at the Spa before—could 2025’s Belmont become another fairytale?
Learn more about global racing highlights at Racing Post.
How Is Good Cheer Poised to Dominate the Acorn?
Trainer Brad Cox is all confidence as his filly sensation, Good Cheer, aims for her eighth consecutive win in Friday’s $750,000 Acorn Stakes. Fresh off a regal Kentucky Oaks win and the undisputed top spot among 3-year-old fillies, Good Cheer towers over the competition as the 1-2 favorite.
Cox’s stable brims with top talent, including last year’s 2-year-old champion Immersive and recent Black Eyed Susan Stakes winner Margie’s Intention—making him the man to beat in every division.
Get the latest industry insights from Daily Racing Form.
How to Watch and What to Expect on Belmont Weekend
Action begins Friday with the Acorn Stakes and continues through a blockbuster Saturday at Saratoga. Expect drama, photo finishes, and maybe even a record-shattering ride by a Hall of Famer refusing to fade.
Fans are encouraged to check program updates, streaming options, and live coverage on NBC and official racing networks.
Q: What Are the Biggest Questions Left to Answer?
- Can Mike Smith set a new age record—and is this really his last historic run?
- Will Heart of Honor pull off a legendary upset for the Osbornes?
- Is Good Cheer truly unbeatable in the filly ranks?
Don’t Miss the Action—Stay Tuned and Join the Conversation!
- ✔️ Follow live results on the NYRA website or NBC
- ✔️ Track updates for underdog stories and leaderboard changes
- ✔️ Watch history in the making as legends and newcomers collide at Saratoga
- ✔️ Share your picks, predictions, and reactions on social channels
This weekend’s Belmont Stakes delivers everything: high stakes, burning ambition, wild cards, and the ageless drive of Mike Smith—don’t blink or you’ll miss the next page in racing lore.
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