Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable's Golden Tempo, who sprung a 23-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1) five weeks ago at Churchill Downs and skipped the Preakness Stakes (G1), used his same late-running style to capture the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) June 6 at Saratoga Race Course.
Under a crafty and beautiful ride from Jose Ortiz, the 6-1 Golden Tempo was a 1 1/4-length winner over Commandment. It was another 4 lengths back to the 8-5 favorite, Renegade, in the nine-horse field. Chief Wallabee finished fourth, 3 1/2 lengths behind Renegade.
Golden Tempo completed the distance in 2:03.49 over a fast track. Post time for the final leg of the Triple Crown was moved up by a few minutes because of the anticipation of a storm. While light rain began to fall shortly before the start, there was no heavy precipitation.
The winner returned $14.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux, the first woman trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, became the second to win the Belmont Stakes, following in the footsteps of Jena Antonucci in 2023 with Arcangelo at Belmont Park.
After three years at Saratoga, the Belmont Stakes returns to Belmont Park next year.
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