Golden Tempo Will Pass Preakness, Aim for Belmont
Thoroughbred Daily News • • sports
Key Points:
- Golden Tempo, winner of the Kentucky Derby, will skip the Preakness Stakes to prioritize his health and long-term future, with plans to target the Belmont Stakes instead.
- This decision highlights ongoing concerns about the tight two-week spacing between the Triple Crown races, which many trainers find challenging for their horses.
- Only one Derby participant, Ocelli, a maiden who finished third, has currently committed to the Preakness, underscoring the race's weakened field this year.
- Industry figures, including 1/ST Racing and NYRA, acknowledge the issue and express openness to discussions about potentially adjusting the Triple Crown schedule.
- With Golden Tempo out, Crude Velocity is a leading Preakness contender, while trainer Whit Beckman is reconsidering running Ocelli back in the Preakness despite previous reservations about the quick turnaround.
