Full Breakdown
Golden Tempo's Derby Win Sets Up Preakness Decision
5/6/2026, 7:53:55 AM
Triple Crown Context and Laurel Park Venue
Golden Tempo, a 23-1 outsider, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2026 by a neck, earning $3.1 million and raising lifetime earnings above $3.4 million. The colt, a Curlin son bred by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, was trained by Cherie DeVaux, the first female trainer to win the Derby. The Preakness Stakes, the second Triple Crown leg, will be run on May 16 at Laurel Park while Pimlico undergoes construction. The race permits 14 starters with two also-eligible spots.
Potential Preakness Field
Early listings show fifteen horses under consideration, including Golden Tempo. Confirmed fee-paid berths feature Potente (12th in the Derby), Crude Velocity (Baffert’s “fifty-fifty” candidate), Cherokee Nation, Chip Honcho, Iron Honor, Taj Mahal, Crupper (Candy Ride son) and Silent Tactic. If entries exceed the limit, Pretty Boy Miah—who lacks graded stakes earnings and has the lowest lifetime earnings ($95,800)—would likely be placed on the also-eligible list.
DeVaux’s Decision Process
DeVaux will jog Golden Tempo Wednesday and Thursday, then gallop Friday. She said a final decision will be made “by the end of the week” after assessing the colt’s energy, movement and attitude on the track. Throughout media appearances she stressed that “the horse comes first” and that outside opinions will not affect the choice.
Official Statements
Cherie DeVaux emphasized her priority is the horse’s welfare, noting, “I appreciate there is history with the Triple Crown, but the horse comes first.” Bob Baffert said Crude Velocity is “fifty-fifty” for the Preakness, leaving the decision to his own assessment. Preakness officials have formally invited DeVaux, recognizing her historic Derby win.
Criticism & Fan Pressure
Fans and industry commentators have urged Golden Tempo’s connections to pursue the Preakness, citing the commercial and historic value of a possible Triple Crown bid. Some analysts caution the two-week turnaround after a demanding Derby rally may strain the colt’s stamina.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the number of horses in the Preakness pool—some cite fifteen entrants, others note the 14-starter limit plus two also-eligible spots. The field composition also varies, with certain horses appearing in some lists but not others. No definitive entry list has been published.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I appreciate that there is history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate that everyone's excited about it; however, the horse comes first.” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “The track is very consistent. It's very safe,” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “As long as he’s in tip-top shape, we’ll talk about it,” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “I honestly haven't had a moment to myself to truly absorb it,” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
What’s Next
Golden Tempo’s team will evaluate post-Derby workouts and announce a Preakness entry decision by week’s end. Post positions are drawn May 11; if entered, jockey Jose Ortiz is expected to ride. The Preakness will take place at Laurel Park on May 16.
