An illness has delayed training preparations for Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Golden Tempo and will prevent a start in the Aug. 1 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course as originally planned, trainer Cherie DeVaux told broadcaster Caton Bredar June 27 on FanDuel TV. The late-running Curlin colt will now instead train up to the Aug. 29 Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, her trainer added.
After winning the Belmont, DeVaux stated that her plan was to use the 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy as a steppingstone toward the 1 1/4-mile Travers, but the illness—from which Golden Tempo has recovered—necessitated a change in plans.
"He's fine, but the timeline just isn't going to suit us to get there, and we'll just continue doing what got us here and put him first," DeVaux said.
She added that while training straight into the Travers was not by design based on their initial plans, "it's the hand that we've been dealt, and we have all the confidence in Golden Tempo's abilities, and it's just up to us and our team to really get him there and have him ready to go."
DeVaux and others involved with Golden Tempo were at Churchill Downs Saturday to receive their trophies from the Kentucky Derby, a race Golden Tempo won with a last-to-first rally. Co-owners Daisy Phipps Pulito of Phipps Stable and Vinnie Viola of St. Elias Stable were also in attendance, along with jockey Jose Ortiz.
Daisy Phipps Pulito describes presentation of owner/breeder trophies for @KentuckyDerby winner Golden Tempo. Phipps Stable owns Golden Tempo with St. Elias Stable. pic.twitter.com/pVH9nwXDWh
— Byron King (@BH_BKing) June 27, 2026
