Golden Tempo To Skip Preakness;, Field Will Be Large

Talk of spacing out the races of the American Triple Crown ramped up again this week after trainer CHERIE DEVAUX said that Kentucky Derby (G1) winner GOLDEN TEMPO would skip the Preakness Stakes (G1) and point to the Belmont Stakes (G1).

The Preakness, at the slightly shorter distance of 1 3/16 miles, is run two weeks after the Derby and that has been the case for much of modern history. But the weakening of the breed and dozens of other race possibilities with big purses has drawn owners and trainers away from the tradition of trying for a Triple Crown.

This is the fifth time since 2018 that the Derby winner will bypass the Preakness.

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In addition, this year’s Preakness will not be run at Pimlico racecourse in Baltimore. That track is undergoing renovations, so the race will be run at Laurel Park, a wider track than Pimlico and also bigger with a 1 1/8 mile oval. The Laurel Preakness will end at the first finish line, which is essentially a normally-placed finish line, The track has one further down the stretch to allow for one-turn route races.

DeVaux issued the following statement:

“After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the Preakness Stakes,” read a statement attributed to Cherie DeVaux Racing.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run. The enthusiasm from racing fans, owners, and our entire team has meant more to us than we can properly express.

“Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort. His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.

“We are looking forward to pointing him toward the Belmont Stakes and are excited for what lies ahead with this very special horse.

“Thank you again to everyone who has supported and believed in this journey alongside us.”

The Belmont Stakes, usually at 1 1/2 miles at Belmont, will be run once again at Saratoga at 1 1/4 miles while Belmont is renovated. Belmont is set to reopen in mid-September.

A maximum of 14 horses can start in the Preakness at Laurel and the probables for the race include just one Derby starter, Ocelli, who was third. The last time the Preakness did not have a single Derby runner was 1922 when the race used to be filled will half a dozen Derby starters.

The possible starters (with last three Beyer Speed Figures from Daily Racing Form, trainer, most recent race, sire) are:

BULL BY THE HORNS 70-69-68
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
1st, Rushaway
Essential Quality

CHEROKEE NATION 82-100-79
Bob Baffert
6th, Santa Anita Derby
Not This Time

CHIP HONCHO 73-92-78
Steve Asmussen
5th, Louisiana Derby
Connect

CORONA DE ORO -87-92
Dallas Stewart
3rd, Lexington
Bolt d’Oro

CRUDE VELOCITY 100-100-89
Bob Baffert
5th, Pat Day Mile
Beau Liam

CRUPPER 80-63-68
Donnie Von Hemel
Junior Alvarado
1st, Bathhouse Row
Candy Ride

EXPRESS KID 87-85-67
Justin Evans
2nd, Sunland Derby
Bodexpress

GREAT WHITE 72-84-71
John Ennis
5th, Blue Grass
Volatile

IRON HONOR 76-90-95
Chad Brown
Flavien Prat
7th, Wood Memorial
Nyquist

NAPOLEON SOLO 78-81-95
Chad Summers
5th, Wood Memorial
Liam’s Map

OCELLI 94-81-78
D. Whitworth Beckman
3rd, Kentucky Derby
Connect