Keeneland-Based Kentucky Derby Winner Golden Tempo has Final Breeze before Belmont

Keeneland-Based Kentucky Derby Winner Golden Tempo
has Final Breeze before Belmont

Colt leaves Sunday for June 6 New York race

LEXINGTON, KY (May 30, 2026) — Golden Tempo, the Keeneland-based winner of the May 2, $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve, on Saturday had his final work in preparation for the $2 million Belmont (G1) Presented by NYRA Bets on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course. With jockey Jose Ortiz aboard for trainer Cherie DeVaux, the colt covered 4 furlongs on a fast track in :48.20.

At 7:30 a.m. ET — after the first morning renovation period — Golden Tempo worked on the inside of 4-year-old stakes-placed winner So Sandy. Golden Tempo produced fractions of :23.80, :36, :48.20 and out five-eighths in 1:01 and three-quarters in 1:14.80.

Golden Tempo is expected to leave for New York on Sunday afternoon.

A homebred racing for Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, Golden Tempo charged from last place to win the Kentucky Derby by a neck. The following day, he returned to DeVaux’s barn at the Keeneland Training Center — commonly called “Rice Road” after the road that runs from Versailles Road through the west side of Keeneland’s property to Van Meter Road.

Golden Tempo had three works here: 4 furlongs in :48.60 on a fast track on Friday, May 15; 5 furlongs in 1:00.20 on a good track on Saturday, May 23; and today’s move.

A son of Curlin, Golden Tempo has won three races in five starts and earned $3,433,000. At Fair Grounds in New Orleans, he won the Jan. 17 Lecomte (G3) and was third in both the Feb. 14 Risen Star (G2) and the March 21 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2).

Golden Tempo then shipped to Keeneland, where he had four weekly timed works before the Kentucky Derby.

The draw for post positions for the Belmont will be held Monday, June 1 at 5 p.m.

###

Since its first race meet 90 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five on-site sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. On Oct. 30-31, Keeneland will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for the fourth time, following 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.