Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo won’t be running in the Preakness Stakes next weekend, a decision announced by trainer Cherie DeVaux on Wednesday. This news comes as a surprise to many, given the typical trajectory of a Derby winner’s season. DeVaux and the owners have opted to skip the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown, and are setting their sights on other races instead.
The Decision to Skip the Preakness
The reason behind this decision hasn’t been explicitly stated, but it’s likely due to the grueling schedule of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes are all run within a short five-week period, which can be taxing on a horse. By skipping the Preakness, Golden Tempo‘s team may be trying to preserve the horse’s energy and reduce the risk of injury. This strategy has been employed by other trainers in the past, with mixed results.
Cherie DeVaux and the owners of Golden Tempo are likely thinking about the horse’s long-term career, rather than just focusing on the Triple Crown. They may have Golden Tempo penciled in for other prominent races later in the season, where the competition might be less fierce and the stakes potentially higher. With a win at the Kentucky Derby already under their belt, they’re in a good position to be selective about which races to enter.
Impact on the Preakness
The absence of Golden Tempo will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the Preakness Stakes. Other horses that finished behind Golden Tempo at the Kentucky Derby may now see an opportunity to step up and take the top spot. This could lead to a more competitive and unpredictable race, as the field will be missing its likely favorite.
As the Preakness Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on the remaining contenders, wondering which one will take the crown. Meanwhile, Golden Tempo will be watching from the sidelines, waiting for its next big moment. With $3 million in prize money already secured from the Kentucky Derby, the team behind Golden Tempo can afford to be patient and strategic about their next move.
What’s Next for Golden Tempo
While the exact plans for Golden Tempo are still unclear, one thing is certain – the horse won’t be forgetting its Kentucky Derby win anytime soon. With that victory, Golden Tempo has already cemented its place in racing history, and its team will be looking to build on that success in the coming months. As the racing season unfolds, fans will be eagerly awaiting Golden Tempo‘s next appearance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the talented horse in action once again.
