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When will we know if Golden Tempo is running in the Preakness 2026?

Golden Tempo’s 2026 Kentucky Derby victory isn’t a week old yet, and people across the globe are wondering what comes next for Cherie DeVaux and the victorious racing horse. More specifically, fans are wondering if the Derby hero will participate in the Preakness 2026.

DeVaux trained Golden Tempo, an undeniably vital part of the horse’s victory. She sees the horse every day and can make executive decisions about what happens next for the horse. Golden Tempo and DeVaux made history together, Golden Tempo with his last-to-first Derby performance, and DeVaux by becoming the first female trainer to ever win a Kentucky Derby.

Will the duo make more history with the Preakness? DeVaux recently revealed when fans everywhere can expect a decision on the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Cherie DeVaux Sets Decision Deadline For Preakness 2026

DeVaux made a recent appearance on CBS Mornings to talk about the Derby win, her journey to being a horse trainer, and what’s next for Golden Tempo. As part of that conversation, she revealed when they will make their Preakness Stakes decision.

“It’s up to him. He’s going to negate the final decision,” DeVaux said to the hosts when asked about who makes the final Preakness call. “By design, they get a couple of rest days. So he gets back to the track on Wednesday, and then we’ll see how his energy level is.”

“We’ll have an answer at least by the end of the week.”

Preakness 2026 begins on Friday, May 15th, with the Black-Eyed Susan. It concludes with the Preakness 151 on Saturday, May 16th.

Preakness is the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown

The Triple Crown is not an easy feat to accomplish. In fact, only thirteen horses have ever accomplished this. Most recently, Justify in 2018 went home victorious in all three races.

Additionally, there have been 23 horses that have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness that did not win the Belmont.

Horses that Have Won the Kentucky Derby & Preakness (But Don’t Have a Triple Crown)

• California Chrome, 2014
• I’ll Have Another, 2012
• Big Brown, 2008
• Smarty Jones, 2004
• Funny Cide, 2003
• War Emblem, 2002
• Charismatic, 1999
• Real Quiet, 1998
• Silver Charm, 1997
• Sunday Silence, 1989
• Alysheba, 1987
• Pleasant Colony, 1981
• Spectacular Bid, 1979
• Canonero II, 1971
• Majestic Prince, 1969
• Forward Pass, 1968
• Kauai King, 1966
• Northern Dancer, 1964
• Carry Back, 1961
• Tim Tam, 1958
• Pensive, 1944
• Bold Venture, 1936
• Burgoo King, 1932

Top Contenders For the Preakness 151

What may come as a surprise to some is that Golden Tempo is not the favorite to win the Preakness Stakes. In fact, the Derby-winner only has 70-1 odds of winning.

Here are the top seven horses that have the best odds of winning the Preakness:

1. Crude Velocity (4-1)
2. Renegade (10-1)
3. Further Ado (11-1)
4. Commandment (12-1)
5. Emerging Market (19-1)
6. Chief Wallabee (19-1)
7. Iron Honor (19-1)