Golden Tempo Bypasses Preakness Stakes, Sets Sights on Belmont Stakes
Golden Tempo, the recent Kentucky Derby winner, will not be participating in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, as announced by trainer Cherie DeVaux. Instead, the decision has been made to focus on the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York. DeVaux, the first woman to train a Derby winner, hails from Saratoga Springs, where the Belmont will be held for the final time this year. The team expressed gratitude for the support and excitement surrounding a potential Triple Crown run but emphasized the importance of Golden's well-being and future.
This marks the third time in the past five years that a Derby winner has opted out of the Preakness, highlighting a trend where the Preakness is held without a Triple Crown contender for the sixth time in eight years. The quick turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness has become a challenge for many trainers and owners, as top horses now typically have longer breaks between races. This scheduling issue has sparked discussions within the horse racing community about the spacing of the Triple Crown races in the modern era.
Maryland racing officials are contemplating moving the Preakness to the fourth Saturday in May to increase the likelihood of Derby horses participating in the race. This year, none of the 18 horses from the Derby will be competing in the Preakness, with Golden Tempo being the sole consideration. The Preakness is being held at Laurel Park this spring while Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations as part of a larger construction project. Pimlico is set to become a year-round racing venue next year, with Laurel transitioning into a training facility.
Golden Tempo's victory at the Kentucky Derby as a 23-1 long shot was a remarkable feat, with the colt surging from the back of the pack to cross the finish line ahead of the favorite, Renegade. DeVaux and co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito monitored the colt's condition post-race before deciding to skip the Preakness, following a similar strategy to last year's Derby champion Sovereignty, who went on to win the Belmont after bypassing the Preakness. Sovereignty's success after extra rest serves as a precedent for Golden Tempo's future races.
In conclusion, Golden Tempo's absence from the Preakness Stakes sets the stage for the Belmont Stakes, where the talented colt will have the opportunity to showcase his skills once again. Trainer Cherie DeVaux's decision prioritizes Golden's well-being and long-term prospects, reflecting a commitment to the horse's health and success in future races.