Trainer Chad Brown, a five-time Eclipse Award laureate, is once again set to make his mark on the Belmont Oaks, a Grade 1 competition where he has already achieved unparalleled success. With a remarkable six victories to his name in this prestigious race, Brown is now eyeing a record-extending seventh win as he prepares to unleash two formidable contenders, Fitz Right and Just Aloof, at the 2026 event held at Saratoga Race Course. His consistent triumph in the Belmont Oaks, which includes a string of four consecutive wins between 2012 and 2015, underscores his strategic prowess and exceptional horsemanship, making him a central figure to watch in this year's highly anticipated renewal.
Brown's legacy in the Belmont Oaks began with Samitar's victory in 2012, initiating a period of unprecedented dominance. He followed this with wins by Alterite (FR) in 2013, Minorette in 2014, and Lady Eli in 2015, showcasing his ability to consistently prepare top-tier fillies for this challenging turf race. After a brief hiatus from the winner's circle, he returned to claim the title with New Money Honey in 2017 and most recently with McKulick (GB) in 2022. Each of these victories has contributed to his unparalleled record, establishing him as the most successful trainer in the history of the Belmont Oaks. As the 2026 edition returns to Saratoga as part of the July 4 Horse Racing Festival, all eyes will be on Brown and his team as they aim to continue this extraordinary run.
Among Brown's current entries, Fitz Right stands out as a particularly strong candidate. This daughter of Charlatan boasts an unblemished record of three wins in 2026, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory. Her journey to the Belmont Oaks has included impressive victories in the Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct, followed by a decisive win in the Grade 2 Wonder Again Stakes over the Saratoga turf in early June. Her proven adaptability to the Saratoga course, coupled with her tactical speed, makes her a formidable contender in a field that includes several European challengers. With jockey Flavien Prat maintaining the ride, Fitz Right has the potential to add another Grade 1 triumph to Brown's illustrious career, and also give Prat a second consecutive Belmont Oaks win.
Brown's second entry, Just Aloof, also presents a compelling case for success. Owned by Whisper Hill Farm, this filly, sired by Triple Crown champion Justify, has been consistently competitive in graded stakes, narrowly missing victory in the Appalachian Stakes and the Edgewood Stakes. Her pedigree suggests that the extended distance of 1⅛ miles in the Belmont Oaks will be advantageous, potentially unlocking a new level of performance. Jockey Manuel Franco, a regular rider for Brown and aspiring for his first Belmont Oaks win, will be aboard from an inside post position. While Fitz Right's recent form is undeniably strong, Just Aloof possesses significant untapped potential, offering Brown another strong chance to further enhance his already remarkable Belmont Oaks record.
The 2026 Belmont Oaks Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at Saratoga Race Course, with a post time of 4:06 p.m. ET. The Grade 1 race, contested over 1 1/8 miles on the Inner Turf, offers a substantial purse of $600,000 and will be broadcast on FS1. This event is closely followed by the Belmont Derby, which is set to begin at 5:20 p.m. ET. The race card features a competitive field of fillies, with Abashiri (GB) installed as the morning line favorite at 6-4 odds. Chad Brown's entries, Fitz Right and Just Aloof, are listed at 7-2 and 20-1 respectively, positioning them as key contenders in what promises to be an exciting renewal of this esteemed race.
