Cherie DeVaux Withdraws Golden Tempo From Preakness

Why did DeVaux keep Golden Tempo out of the Preakness?

DeVaux told reporters the short turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was the primary reason for withdrawing Golden Tempo. The Preakness is scheduled 14 days after the Derby, limiting recovery and targeted conditioning windows for a top-level three-year-old. The trainer framed the choice as a management decision to protect the horse’s immediate soundness and long-term campaign value.

The decision also changes the competitive ledger: Golden Tempo’s absence removes a confirmed Derby winner from the Preakness field, a factor that typically shifts wagering pools and entry lists by single-digit percentages on race day.

How does a 14-day turnaround affect a Derby winner’s race readiness?

A 14-day interval compresses the time available for gallopouts, targeted workouts and veterinary checks that trainers usually perform after a demanding 1 1/4-mile Derby. Standard practice among many trainers is to prefer at least 21 days between top-level starts to allow soft-tissue recovery and conditioning adjustments.

When trainers cut that window to two weeks, they often reduce the volume or intensity of preparatory breezes; that lowers measurable workload by roughly one to two scheduled drills versus a three-week plan. Those adjustments matter for neuromuscular readiness in a 1 3/16-mile Preakness race.

What are the commercial stakes for owners, bettors and the Triple Crown narrative?

Golden Tempo’s withdrawal removes a major storyline from the Triple Crown sequence. There have been 13 Triple Crown winners in history; a Derby winner running in the Preakness raises betting handles and sponsorship attention, sometimes by double-digit percentages for a single card.

For owners, skipping a second leg preserves a horse’s long-term value and potential stud appeal by avoiding a high-risk race on short rest. For public markets and bookmakers, the absence of a headline competitor commonly compresses the favorite pool and redistributes handle across remaining entrants.

What limitations should readers note about the public explanation?

Public statements from trainers rarely disclose detailed veterinary metrics such as tendon ultrasound scores, blood biomarkers, or specific workout times. That limits external assessment of whether the withdrawal was driven solely by the 14-day timeline or by undisclosed health data. Investors and bettors should treat the stated timeline as a credible factor but not a complete diagnostic.

What comes next for Golden Tempo and the connections?

Skipping the Preakness leaves the Belmont Stakes and other summer targets under consideration. The Belmont is traditionally held five weeks after the Kentucky Derby — about 35 days — which gives more time for recovery and conditioning compared with the Preakness timeline.

Connections often use the extended interval to recalibrate a campaign toward the Belmont or private summer stakes; the decision also preserves flexibility for later stud-year negotiations and placement decisions.

Q: Can Golden Tempo still run in the Belmont after skipping the Preakness?

Yes. The Belmont Stakes is typically scheduled five weeks after the Kentucky Derby, which is about 35 days and roughly three weeks after the Preakness. That interval offers trainers a substantially larger preparation window and is a common route for Derby winners who bypass the Preakness.

Q: How does skipping a Triple Crown leg affect a Derby winner’s commercial value?

A Derby winner’s commercial value is driven by race record, pedigree and public profile. Avoiding the Preakness can protect a horse’s physical condition and preserve future stud and sale options; the exact impact on stud fee discussions depends on subsequent performances and broader market interest.

Bottom Line

DeVaux prioritized a 14-day recovery window over immediate Triple Crown pressure for Golden Tempo.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. CFD trading carries high risk of capital loss.

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