Golden Tempo secured victory at the 158th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, adding a second jewel to his 2026 season after winning the Kentucky Derby in May. The decision to skip the Preakness Stakes proved successful for trainer Cherie DeVaux and her team, who opted for strategic rest over a Triple Crown attempt. The race took place at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York, marking the third and final year the prestigious event was held at the temporary venue while Belmont Park completes extensive renovations.
The victory mirrors last year’s strategy when Sovereignty followed the same path, winning the Derby, bypassing Pimlico Race Course, and then claiming the Belmont. DeVaux defended the calculated decision following Saturday’s win, stating the team remained pleased with the outcome despite forfeiting a shot at racing’s most coveted achievement.
Renegade opens as favorite but Golden Tempo delivers
Morning line odds placed Renegade as the 2-1 favorite entering Saturday’s race, similar to his position at the Kentucky Derby weeks earlier. Chief Wallabee followed at 3-1, while Golden Tempo was listed at 9-2. Despite not being the top choice, Golden Tempo demonstrated the same form that carried him to victory at Churchill Downs. The field included only four horses from the Kentucky Derby held in early May: Renegade, Commandment, Chief Wallabee, and Golden Tempo. Notably, no horses from the Preakness Stakes three weeks prior competed in the Belmont, creating a unique competitive landscape for the final leg of what could have been a Triple Crown pursuit.
Saratoga hosts modified distance for third consecutive year
The temporary relocation to Saratoga Race Course necessitated changes to the traditional Belmont format. The race covered 1 ¼ miles instead of the usual mile-and-a-half distance that defines the “Test of the Champion” at Belmont Park. Saratoga, renowned for hosting the annual Whitney Stakes, Travers Stakes, and Jim Dandy Stakes, provided a familiar setting for summer racing enthusiasts. The modification reflected ongoing construction at Belmont Park, where renovations have transformed the iconic Long Island facility. Racing officials confirmed this marked the final year for the Saratoga arrangement, with Belmont Park scheduled to reopen for the 2027 edition.
Strategic rest period separates modern Derby winners
The trend of Kentucky Derby winners bypassing the Preakness Stakes represents a shift in modern thoroughbred racing strategy. Training teams increasingly prioritize horse health and optimal preparation over immediate Triple Crown attempts. The three-week gap between the Preakness and Belmont allows for extended recovery and targeted training when skipping the middle jewel. DeVaux’s approach with Golden Tempo followed this evolving philosophy, contrasting with traditional Triple Crown pursuits where horses competed in all three races within a five-week span. The strategy has now produced back-to-back Belmont victories for Derby winners who sat out the Preakness.
Golden Tempo adds to 2026 racing highlights
The victory at Saratoga solidified Golden Tempo’s position among the top three-year-old thoroughbreds in 2026. His Kentucky Derby triumph in May established him as a rising star, and Saturday’s performance confirmed his ability to compete at the highest level across different tracks and distances. The modified Belmont distance, while shorter than traditional, still tested stamina and closing speed over the final furlong. Golden Tempo’s campaign continues a successful year for DeVaux’s training operation, which has developed a reputation for patience and calculated race selection. The win also highlighted the depth of talent in the 2026 three-year-old crop, with multiple horses demonstrating championship-caliber performances throughout the spring and early summer racing season.
- Golden Tempo won both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2026.
- The race ran at 1 ¼ miles at Saratoga instead of the traditional 1 ½ miles.
- Only four horses from the Kentucky Derby competed in the Belmont.
- Renegade entered as the 2-1 morning line favorite.
- This marked the second consecutive year a Derby winner skipped the Preakness and won the Belmont.
The racing community now turns attention to summer stakes races and preparations for the Travers Stakes in August, traditionally held at Saratoga. Golden Tempo’s connections will evaluate future racing plans, including potential matchups against older horses in prestigious fall events. The two major victories have secured his status as a leading contender for year-end awards and established his early credentials as a potential breeding prospect. DeVaux emphasized satisfaction with the current approach, indicating the team would continue making decisions based on the horse’s condition and long-term development rather than external pressure to chase historic achievements.
