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Golden Tempo complemented his Kentucky Derby victory when running late to land the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.
The winner had already provided a momentous occasion, with her Churchill Downs win meaning Cherie Devaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, and more history would be made by the pair at her local track.
With Todd Pletcher’s Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade sent the favorite to turn the tables, Golden Tempo leaves America’s No. 1 three-year-old colt unquestionably, runner-up command and old rival Renegade (third) for another huge success in the hands of Jose Ortiz.
DeVaux told Bloodhorse: “I think there was doubt because Renegade ran so well (in the Kentucky Derby) and he had issues. So, there was thought that Renegade could have won the race, but they’ve been put to bed.”
Golden Tempo’s win vindicated his decision to skip the Preakness Stakes in favor of going straight to the final stage of the US Triple Crown, as Carlin’s son followed in the footsteps of Bill Mott’s sovereign who had accomplished such a prestigious double 12 months earlier.
“I think we made the right decision. I don’t think we would have had the same horse if we had gone back to racing in two weeks,” added Deveaux, who became the first female trainer to win two Triple Crown races.
“It’s a horse-by-horse, case-by-case decision. And for him, as much growth as we’ve seen in him, it’s going to be tough for him to follow that through two weeks and then three weeks.”
DeVaux is only the second woman to win the Belmont Stakes, following Jenna Antonucci’s win with Arcangelo in 2023.
It would prove a great evening for the handler on the last occasion the Classic was run at Saratoga before returning to its traditional home next year, with the trainer also landing the Grade One Woody Stephens Stakes with the Englishman.
