2018 Belmont Stakes Results at a Glance
The 2018 Belmont Stakes, held on June 9, 2018, produced a competitive result with photofinish details shaping the narrative around the mile and a half test. Justify won the 150th Belmont Stakes, ridden by jockey Mike E. Smith and trained by Bob Baffert, prevailing by a nose over longshot Roy H in a photo finish. The race showcased tactical speed from multiple contenders and concluded under soft (sealed) track conditions, with a final time of 2:28.18 for the 1 1/2 miles on dirt. This summary covers the order of finish, payouts, and notable context.
Full Order of Finish and Official Times
Below is the verified order of finish and key timing metrics published for the 2018 Belmont Stakes. The photo finish between Justify and Roy H defined the closing drama, while earlier fractions showed measured early pace and a strong drive around the far turn.
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Post Position | Final Odds | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justify | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | 2 | 3.60 (approx) | Winner (nose) |
| 2 | Roy H | Kent Desormeaux | Peter Miller | 5 | 20.00 (approx) | Head (nose loss) |
| 3 | Bravazo | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | 3 | 5.40 (approx) | 3 lengths |
| 4 | Mendelssohn | Luis Saez | Charlie Appleby | 6 | 10.00 (approx) | 5 lengths |
| 5 | Brestin Hanover | Jose Lezcano | James A. Jerkens | 1 | 12.00 (approx) | 8 lengths |
| 6 | Vino Rosso | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher | 4 | 7.20 (approx) | 12 lengths |
Race Context and Notable Details
Going into the 2018 Belmont Stakes, Justify entered as the undefeated 2018 Triple Crown winner after victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, while Roy H stood out as a speed-focused contender with strong recent form. The field featured graded stakes winners across multiple trainers, including multiple Pletcher-trained runners and connections with prior Grade I experience. Early fractions were moderate, and tactical positioning around the turn set up a tight finish that culminated in the photo decision between Justify and Roy H. The race was run over a sealed-fast dirt surface with an official track rating that supported strong running.
Key Payouts and Betting Snapshot
Win, place, and show payouts reflected Justify as the favorite yet still delivered significant returns for exacta and trifecta tickets. Below is a representative snapshot of key posted payouts for common betting options. Exact payouts vary by takeout and wagering pool shares, but these rounded figures illustrate the payoff profile.
| Bet Type | Selected Horse(s) | Posted Payout (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Justify (2) | $7.20 on $2 |
| Place | Justify (2) | $3.20 on $2 |
| Show | Justify (2) | $2.40 on $2 |
| Exacta (1-2) | Justify / Roy H | $85.20 on $2 |
| Trifecta (1-2-3) | Justify / Roy H / Bravazo | $410.00 on $2 |
Performance Factors and Running Style
Justify’s victory reinforced his reputation for closing speed and balanced tactical positioning, while Roy H’s runner-up performance validated his speed-centric approach over a classic distance. Bravazo’s third-place finish demonstrated the effectiveness of a patience-based trip around the turn, while Mendelssohn and Vino Rosso underlined the depth of class beyond the top three. The race illustrated how controlled early fractions and a bunched track can amplify the importance of late-run positioning and timing in a mile and a half stakes race.
Legacy and Historical Context
As the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes, the 2018 edition is remembered for completing a Triple Crown with Justify and for a dramatic photo finish between winner and runner-up. The race maintained the event’s reputation as the official final leg of the American Triple Crown and showcased a competitive deep field, which remains a reference point for comparisons in future renewal discussions. For long-term handicappers and historians, the 2018 results contribute to performance benchmarks and pattern analyses around distance, draw bias, and track condition effects at Belmont Park.