Golden Tempo’s Preakness Pass: Why the Derby Winner is Skipping the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans

The dream of a Triple Crown is officially dead for 2025. In a move that sent shockwaves through the horse racing world—but perhaps surprised few seasoned insiders—Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes next weekend at Pimlico. Trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed the decision Wednesday, ending speculation that the colt might chase immortality in Baltimore.

Instead, the chestnut colt’s connections are setting their sights on the Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course. For DeVaux, a Saratoga Springs native who became the first female trainer to win the Run for the Roses, the decision carries both professional weight and deeply personal significance. “We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run,” DeVaux said in a statement. “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.”

This announcement marks the third time in the last five years that a Derby winner has bypassed the Preakness. It is also the sixth instance in eight years that the second jewel of the Triple Crown will be contested without the possibility of a Triple Crown on the line. Only American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018) have swept all three races in the past four decades, a stark reminder of how rare—and how grueling—that achievement truly is.

The Grueling Two-Week Turnaround: A “Nonstarter” for Modern Champions

The core reason behind Golden Tempo’s absence is the short, unforgiving gap between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. At just 14 days, the turnaround has become a lightning rod for debate in the sport. Historically, horses like Secretariat and Seattle Slew thrived on this pace, but the modern thoroughbred is bred and conditioned differently.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux is not alone in her caution. In the past eight years alone, we have seen Derby winners like Mage (2023), Rich Strike (2022), and Always Dreaming (2017) all skip the Preakness. The pattern is clear: the risk of injury or burnout outweighs the prestige of the Triple Crown for most owners and trainers.

• Recovery time: A two-week window is considered dangerously short for a horse that just ran the most demanding race of its life. The Derby is a 1 ¼-mile classic that often leaves horses depleted for weeks.
• Elite race spacing: Most top-tier thoroughbreds now run on a 4-to-6-week schedule. The Preakness forces a compressed timeline that many vets and trainers view as a nonstarter for long-term soundness.
• Financial reality: A healthy Golden Tempo has enormous stud value. A loss or injury in Baltimore could cost connections millions. The Belmont Stakes, with its longer rest period and a $2 million purse, offers a safer, lucrative alternative.

The debate over the Triple Crown schedule is not new. Critics argue that the sport is losing its greatest spectacle—the chase for the Crown—by allowing horses to skip the Preakness. Supporters of DeVaux’s decision, however, point to the growing body of evidence that the two-week gap is unsustainable for modern athletes. “We are seeing a fundamental shift in how the elite are managed,” says Dr. Larry Bramlage, a renowned equine surgeon. “The horse’s welfare has to come first. If that means no Triple Crown, so be it.”

Cherie DeVaux’s Homecoming: Saratoga and the Belmont Stakes

For Cherie DeVaux, skipping the Preakness is not just about rest—it is about strategy and sentiment. The trainer hails from Saratoga Springs, New York, and the 2025 Belmont Stakes will be run at the historic Saratoga Race Course for the third and final time (the race is returning to Belmont Park in 2026 after renovations).

“This is a homecoming narrative that writes itself,” says veteran racing analyst Jill Byrne. “DeVaux has already made history by winning the Derby. Winning the Belmont at the track where she grew up watching races would be a storybook ending. It’s a smart, emotional play.”

The Belmont Stakes, run at 1 ½ miles (or 1 ¼ miles in 2025 due to Saratoga’s configuration), is often called the “Test of the Champion.” It demands stamina, patience, and a horse that can handle a longer, more tactical race. Golden Tempo’s Derby win was a masterclass in pacing—he sat just off the lead, took command in the stretch, and held off a charging rival by a length. That style suggests he can handle the extra distance or the slightly shorter Saratoga distance.

DeVaux’s decision also signals a long-term vision. By skipping the Preakness, she gives Golden Tempo a full five-week break between the Derby and the Belmont. This is the ideal rest period for a top-class colt. It allows his body to recover, his appetite to return, and his training regimen to be carefully managed without the pressure of a quick turnaround.

Expert Analysis: What This Means for the Preakness and the Triple Crown

The 2025 Preakness Stakes will now be a wide-open affair. Without Golden Tempo, the field is expected to be led by the second- and third-place finishers from the Derby, as well as fresh shooters who skipped Churchill Downs entirely. Let’s break down the implications:

• No Triple Crown buzz: The Preakness loses its biggest marketing hook. Television ratings and betting handle will likely dip, as casual fans tune out when the Crown is off the table.
• Opportunity for other horses: Horses like Midnight Fury (Derby runner-up) and Storm Catcher (Derby third) become legitimate favorites. Also, look for Bob Baffert or Todd Pletcher to bring a fresh, well-rested contender.
• Belmont becomes the “real” final: With Golden Tempo now the headliner for June 6, the Belmont Stakes will carry the weight of the entire Triple Crown season. It will be the de facto championship race of the spring.

Prediction for the Preakness: Expect a tactical, speed-heavy race. Without a dominant Derby winner to chase, the pace could be moderate, setting up for a closer who can handle Pimlico’s tight turns. I predict Midnight Fury will be the favorite, but a fresh horse like Coastal Gold (trained by Brad Cox) could pull the upset at 8-1 odds.

Prediction for the Belmont: If Golden Tempo runs to his potential, he will be tough to beat. The extra rest and the home-field advantage for DeVaux make him a strong favorite. However, the Belmont has a history of surprising upsets (think Sarava in 2002). The key will be whether Golden Tempo can handle the pressure of being the “one to beat” after a layoff.

Conclusion: A New Era of Horse Management?

Golden Tempo’s decision to skip the Preakness is not an anomaly—it is a trend. The sport of horse racing is evolving, and the health of the athlete is finally taking precedence over the glory of the Triple Crown. While purists mourn the loss of a potential sweep, the reality is that modern breeding and training have made the two-week turnaround a relic of a bygone era.

Cherie DeVaux has made a brave, calculated choice. She is betting that her horse’s long-term legacy—and his life after racing—matters more than a shot at history in Baltimore. If Golden Tempo wins the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, the narrative will shift from “why did they skip the Preakness?” to “why doesn’t everyone do this?”

For now, the Triple Crown dream is on hold. But the story of Golden Tempo is far from over. The final chapter will be written on June 6, under the iconic spires of Saratoga, where a hometown trainer will try to cement her horse’s place in history—on her own terms, and on her own timeline.

Key takeaway: The 2025 Preakness will be exciting, but it will be a race without a king. The real drama is brewing in Saratoga, where Golden Tempo waits for his next chance to shine.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.