Cherie DeVaux stands on the brink of history this Saturday at Saratoga

Golden Tempo will be favored in the Travers Stakes (G1) while Englishman looms as the choice in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1); a double victory could place the trainer in a scenario unseen since 1978

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— Cherie DeVaux faces one of those days at Saratoga this Saturday that can define a career forever. With Golden Tempo installed as the favorite for the Travers Stakes (G1-2,000 m, $1,250,000) and Englishman topping the market for the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1-1,400 m, $500,000), the trainer arrives at the meet's pinnacle card conditioning two of the premier 3-year-olds in the United States.

What is at stake extends well beyond a pair of top-flight victories. Should both perform up to expectations, Golden Tempo would lock himself into an enviable position to be named Champion 3-Year-Old Male and Horse of the Year, while Englishman would emerge as a frontrunner for Champion Sprinter honors.

If that scenario materializes, DeVaux would become the first trainer since Lázaro Barrera in 1978 to campaign the Horse of the Year, Champion 3-Year-Old, and Champion Sprinter in a single season. Barrera accomplished the feat with the legendary Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year Affirmed (Exclusive Native), alongside J. O. Tobin (Never Bend), who co-shared champion sprinter honors with Dr. Patches (Dr. Fager).

“I'm very fortunate to have great owners. We've had a lot of success, and together we've put ourselves in a position to get these kinds of horses, but also to know how to manage them,” DeVaux explained.

The conditioner emphasized that maintaining perspective remains key: “With these horses, it's more about maintaining them—not getting nervous or starstruck by what you have. It's important that the whole team stays on the same page and that we treat every horse the same. I think that's what has put us in a position to be successful.”

Golden Tempo, the 5-2 morning-line favorite, will break from post 9 in a field of 10 under José Ortiz. Winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1), the son of Curlin will attempt to become the fifth horse since 2020 to complete the Belmont-Travers double, joining Tiz the Law (Constitution), Essential Quality (Tapit), Arcangelo (Arrogate), and Sovereignty (Into Mischief).

His outside gate assignment met with DeVaux's approval: “Given his running style, I think being outside is better. He can let the speed go and find a spot to save ground without being pinned down inside, surrounded and taking bumps.”

Golden Tempo enters with 4 wins and 2 thirds from 6 starts, having compiled earnings in excess of $4,600,000. His sensational last-to-first rally in the Kentucky Derby over 17 rivals stands as one of the defining images of the racing season.

A starkly contrasting style belongs to Englishman, the heavy 3-5 favorite for the Allen Jerkens, who also reams with Ortiz from post 4.

The son of Maxfield has won 3 of his 4 starts, coming off a breathtaking performance in the Woody Stephens (G1), where he bounded clear by 5 3/4 lengths while equaling the 1,400-meter track record at Saratoga in 1m20s40/100. His 115 Beyer Speed Figure represents the highest speed figure earned by a 3-year-old colt this year.

His solitary setback came when runner-up to Crude Velocity (Beau Liam) in the Pat Day Mile (G2), a loss he decisively avenged in the Woody Stephens.

For now, DeVaux prefers to keep him sprinting. “With his running style, I think a one-turn mile would be his limit. I'm not saying we can't revisit that later on, but right now we're going to keep him between 1,200 and 1,400 meters, where he fits best.”

Golden Tempo requires a setup that accommodates his deep-closing punch; Englishman, by contrast, usually puts his races to rest early. Two distinct styles under one trainer, who lives through each performance with equal intensity.

“Both of them produce anxious moments,” DeVaux admitted with a laugh.