Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, is set to compete in the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course this Saturday. The Cherie DeVaux-trained colt, known for his impressive last-to-first charge in the Derby, will face a different challenge this time around. Unlike the Derby, where a blistering pace helped him surge from the back, the Belmont field may not offer the same early speed.

Adapting to New Conditions

Jockey Jose Ortiz, who masterfully guided Golden Tempo to victory in the Derby, will need to adjust his strategy. DeVaux acknowledges the need for flexibility, stating, “We just have to hope that a pace materializes with his running style. If that does not happen, Jose is going to have to come up with plan B.”

The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, is being held for the third and final time at Saratoga before returning to its traditional 1 1/2 miles next year. This year’s race is 1 1/4 miles, a distance that suits Derby runner-up Renegade, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher. Renegade, who finished strong in Kentucky, is among the favorites alongside Golden Tempo.

Field and Competition

Renegade’s trainer, Todd Pletcher, also has another contender, Powershift, in the field of nine. Meanwhile, Brad Cox’s Commandment, who struggled to keep up with the Derby’s fast pace, is looking to improve. Cox remains optimistic, saying, “I thought he actually ran pretty well, just obviously wasn’t the result we were looking for.”

Golden Tempo’s odds are currently at 9-1, with Renegade at 2-1 and Bill Mott-trained Chief Wallabee at 3-1. Commandment and Emerging Market both opened at 6-1. DeVaux, who opted to rest Golden Tempo instead of running in the Preakness, is hopeful for a strong performance, similar to Mott’s strategy last year with Sovereignty, who won the Belmont after skipping the Preakness.

As the race approaches, all eyes are on Golden Tempo and Ortiz, who will need to navigate the conditions and make real-time decisions based on the race’s unfolding dynamics. “It’s kind of just how the race unfolds in front of them and what Jose decides to do,” DeVaux said, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.