Keeneland Key to DeVaux, Golden Tempo's Success

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Golden Tempo appeared fresh and full of energy May 5 outside trainer Cherie DeVaux's Keeneland barn during a track-hosted media availability. The Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable's Curlin colt seemed right at home at his Lexington base. DeVaux, a year-round fixture at Keeneland, credited the local track as an integral part of the colt's Kentucky Derby preparation. Golden Tempo broke his maiden at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots last December, and never raced away from the Louisiana racetrack in any of his four starts leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Following his third-place effort in the Louisiana Derby (G2), he returned to Lexington, putting in all of his works ahead of the Derby over the Keeneland track. "The track is very consistent. It's very safe," Devaux said. "I've had great luck training here and going over to Churchill. One thing that I try to minimize with my horses is changing surfaces too much in their training. "We came from Fair Grounds and came right to Keeneland. We weren't set up at Churchill, and our barn wasn't ready when we got here. It just made sense to stay here. I have all the faith in the world that training over the Keeneland track does transfer over to a good performance at Churchill." Devaux's well-thought-out training plans proved to be true with Golden Tempo's electrifying win in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Devaux was also complimentary of the Keeneland Association as a whole. "Keeneland Association has been wonderful," she said. "They have been an integral part of my career and our business, because they go above and beyond to help the horsemen. "I'm stabled here year-round, and I'm very fortunate for that, but really, they are here for the horses, and they've been great to work with ever since I've made my home base." Golden Tempo completed his third walk day Tuesday morning, and is set to head to the track May 6 and 7 for light jogs. He will resume galloping May 8 before a decision on the Preakness Stakes (G1) is made. Devaux was quick to point out that the horse will always come first, and the decision to run in Maryland hinges on Golden Tempo's health and activity level. "I appreciate that there is history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate that everyone's excited about it," she said. "However, the horse comes first. Other people's opinions are not part of the conversation. "Being a horse trainer is my first obligation, and that's my life's passion and my life's work. Everything else is secondary."