Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, continues his preparations for the Travers Stakes with a breezy workout at Saratoga. The bay son of Curlin, owned by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, is gearing up for a start in the prestigious race on August 29th, which will be his second appearance at the 10-furlong distance this year.
The horse's recent workout on August 8th was a collaborative effort with stablemate Paige Turner, with Jose Ortiz in the saddle. The pair covered four furlongs in 48.94 seconds, with Golden Tempo's quarter-mile split at 24.2 seconds and a gallop-out of 1:01.4. This workout was the third over the Saratoga track and fourth overall since his Belmont Stakes victory.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux, who has been guiding Golden Tempo's training, described the workout as a 'nice half with a big gallop out.' She emphasized the importance of the gallop-out for Golden Tempo's racing style, which is crucial for his performance in the Travers Stakes, a race he is expected to excel in.
DeVaux's decision to have Golden Tempo work inside Paige Turner was strategic, considering the horse's keen nature and the need to avoid pressure. She explained that Golden Tempo's objective is different from that of his stablemate, and the arrangement allows him to stay engaged and gallop out without interference.
The trainer's approach to training Golden Tempo has been consistent, focusing on a weekend schedule to ensure the horse's fitness and readiness for the Travers Stakes. The horse's previous breezes at Saratoga have been successful, and DeVaux's training methods seem to be paying off.
As Golden Tempo continues his preparations, the racing world eagerly awaits his performance in the Travers Stakes, where his talent and determination will be on full display. The horse's success in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes has already solidified his status as a top contender, and his training regimen is designed to maintain his peak condition for the upcoming race.