Golden Tempo Already Eyes the Travers and DeVaux Enjoys a Double That Could Define an Era

The trainer celebrated the triumph in the Belmont Stakes and also the spectacular victory of Englishman in the Woody Stephens; both now point toward major objectives at Saratoga

Barely 5 weeks after conquering the Kentucky Derby (G1), Cherie DeVaux found herself once again surrounded by cameras, photographers, and journalists. This time, the setting was the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga, and the reason was the brilliant triumph of Golden Tempo in the Belmont Stakes (G1), which firmly established the son of Curlin as the leader of the 3-year-old generation in the United States.

With the traditional blanket of carnations over his back—and looking intent on tasting a few of them—the defender of the silks of Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable posed for photographs after becoming the thirteenth horse in history capable of completing the Kentucky Derby-Belmont Stakes double.

"After the Derby, we were seeing very clear signs that he was improving both physically and mentally, and that ended up being reflected on the track," explained DeVaux. "What we were looking to see from him showed up during the race."

Unlike what happened at Churchill Downs, where he rallied from dead last to claim glory, Golden Tempo raced closer to the field at Saratoga. Breaking from the outermost gate, number 9, he sat last in the early stages, but without losing too much contact with his rivals.

While Powershift (Constitution) set moderate fractions of 23s96/100, 48s29/100, and 1m12s38/100, José Ortizwaited patiently. When the time came to accelerate, the chestnut responded authoritatively, launching his bid down the center of the track alongside Commandment (Into Mischief) and Renegade (Into Mischief). In the final strides, Golden Tempo once again demonstrated his class, clearly outmatching his rivals to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Commandment and earn a Beyer Speed Figure of 98, the best of his career.

"I think he is still evolving," DeVaux assured. "The good thing is that he isn't making giant leaps in performance, but rather improving gradually. That leads us to believe that he still has room to keep growing throughout the entire season."

With an eye on the future, the immediate plan calls for a return to Keeneland to prepare for the Jim Dandy Stakes(G2) on August 1, the traditional stepping stone toward the Travers Stakes (G1) on the 29th of the same month, the most important race of the American summer for 3-year-olds.

"Everything works very well training at Keeneland, and we see no reason to change. After the Jim Dandy, he will stay at Saratoga for the Travers," the trainer noted.

However, Golden Tempo was not the only star of an extraordinary weekend for the DeVaux team.

A few hours before the Belmont, Englishman delivered a memorable exhibition by capturing the Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) by 5 3/4 lengths and in a track-record time of 1m20s40/100 for the 1400 meters, equaling the historic mark of Darby Creek Road (Roberto), which had stood since 1978.

The son of Maxfield—a stallion with a strong presence in Argentina after serving for 2 seasons at Haras Firmamento—confirmed all the expectation generated by his progeny. In fact, the products from Maxfield's first Argentine generation are key attractions in the current auctions and will also comprise the first crop of Firmamento Racing.

"We knew he had immense talent, though obviously one never expects him to equal a track record," commented DeVaux. "He is a naturally very fast horse, and his previous race helped him a lot. The important thing is that he took a step forward when he had reasons to regress."

Englishman authoritatively dominated the previously undefeated Crude Velocity (Beau Liam) and established himself among the best sprinters in the country, regardless of age.

His next major objective would be the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1), also at Saratoga, before pointing directly toward the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Keeneland.

"I think he is one of the best sprinters in the country, even though he is only three years old," DeVaux maintained.

With approximately 120 horses under her care, DeVaux acknowledges that days like Saturday are what justify years of effort.

"Having horses that run the way Golden Tempo and Englishman did is what defines a professional career," she reflected. "We work the same way with all of them, from the best to the claimers. All we look for is for each one to reach their maximum potential. When that happens on days as important as these, the satisfaction is immense."

For now, the summer belongs to Golden Tempo and Englishman. And for Cherie DeVaux, a trainer who already made history in the Kentucky Derby, the dream seems far from over.