The 1+1⁄2-mile (2,400 m) race, known as the "test of the champion", is the final leg in the American Triple Crown, open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

The race took place on June 8, 2019, in Elmont, New York, with post time scheduled for 6:37 p.m.

It was a Grade I stakes race with a purse of $1.5 million, broadcast on NBC with coverage of the undercard on NBCSN.

[4] Following the Preakness, likely contenders for the Belmont were:[5][6] The post position draw was held on June 4 at Citi Field, prior to that day's New York Mets game.

NYRA said it was the highest for an edition with no Triple Crown candidate; the 2018 Belmont Stakes day had a wagering handle of US$138.0 million.