### Stormy Weather Impacts 2025 Belmont Stakes, Track Conditions Expected to Be Muddy

The 2025 Belmont Stakes is set to proceed under improved yet challenging conditions, after a stormy start to the day around Saratoga Race Course on Saturday. The skies over Saratoga Springs, New York, have begun to clear after a morning of rain, though the wet weather left behind a muddy track that is likely to persist into the evening, The Weather Channel reports.

Leading up to the prestigious race, the area experienced nearly 1.5 inches of rain from midnight Friday to noon Saturday, as recorded by a local weather station. While current conditions include partly cloudy skies, light winds, and temperatures in the low 70s, there remains a marginal chance of a rain shower before the 7:04 p.m. ET race time.

The inclement weather has prompted changes to the race day schedule, forcing the Belmont Stakes organizers to shift four races from the turf to the main track. The affected races are Races 3, 6, 10, and 14, as communicated through the event's social media channels.

Though Saratoga Springs is not under significant weather alerts, a flash flood warning is in effect for Albany, New York, located approximately 35 miles away. This nearby alert heightens concerns over the track conditions, especially considering the heavy rainfall experienced in the area.

In terms of competition, Journalism is the slight favorite for the 157th Belmont Stakes, with odds of +160 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Sovereignty follows closely with odds of +200. Other contenders in the field include Baeza (+400), Rodriguez (+600), Hill Road (+1000), Crudo (+1500), and both Heart of Honor and Uncaged at +3000.

Weather conditions have played a significant role in the outcomes of this year's Triple Crown races. Sovereignty triumphed in a wet and muddy 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, surpassing the 3-1 favorite Journalism. Later, Journalism took the 150th Preakness Stakes on May 17 at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, where relatively better weather conditions prevailed.

As the 157th Belmont Stakes approaches, the remaining muddy track conditions add an extra layer of unpredictability, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Triple Crown series.