A Prize Greater Than Gold
And so ends another Kentucky Derby journey, which began back in January and got us through snowstorms, blizzards and deep freezes. As always, the journey ended with either cheers, excitement, and euphoria or disappointment and frustration, all wrapped up in a period of two minutes. Before we know it, some 2-year-old will break his maiden in spectacular fashion at Saratoga or Del Mar and just like that the seeds of next year’s roses will be sown. But for now, it is on to Laurel and its 4,800 patrons and the next chapter of the Triple Crown, with or without Golden Tempo. ~ Steve Haskin
A Prize Greater Than Gold
By Steve Haskin
Yes, the 2026 Kentucky Derby will go down in history, with the race being won for the first time by a female trainer, Cherie DeVaux. It also saw brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz finish first and second, a neck apart. But to many historians, the story of the 2026 Kentucky Derby goes back more than half a century. In 1965, the familiar black silks and cherry cap of Ogden Phipps, worn by homebred Dapper Dan, were seen flying down the Churchill Downs stretch in the Kentucky Derby, seemingly on the way to victory.
Here was Dapper Dan, at odds of 30-1, about to to step up and save the day and win for Ogden. But despite closing his final quarter in :23 1/5, the fastest final quarter in Derby history until Secretariat’s :23 flat in 1973, his powerful run from last fell a neck short of catching Lucky Debonair. Phipps mother, Mrs. Henry Carnegie Phipps, who raced under the name Wheatley Stable, actually had the 2-1 favorite in that same race in 2-year-old champion Bold Lad, but he finished 10th.
The Phipps family, whether it was Ogden or his mother, had not made much impact on the Derby, other than in 1957, when Wheatley’s Stable’s Bold Ruler was made the 6-5 favorite, but finished fourth to Iron Liege.
But surely, Ogden Phipps’ time would come, with all those royally bred horses. However, more disappointments would follow. The very next year, the big Derby favorite Buckpasser, the reigning 2-Year-old champion, suffered a quarter crack following his victory in the Flamingo Stakes, which would keep him out of the Triple Crown. In 1969, Phipps had two powerful stretch runners in Garden State Stakes winner Beau Brummel and the Louisiana and Illinois Derby winner King of the Castle, but neither made it to the Derby. Another 19 years passed before Phipps had his next Derby starter in the Gotham and Wood Memorial runner-up Seeking the Gold. But his best days were down the road and he could do no better than seventh in a talent-laden Derby field.
Then the following year came the horse destined to become Phipps’ big superstar, the 1988 2-Year-Old champ Easy Goer, who was everyone’s choice to not only win the Derby, but sweep the Triple Crown. But along came California sensation Sunday Silence, combined with a sloppy track, and Easy Goer could manage only a second-place finish in the Derby, narrowly beating out his stablemate Awe Inspiring, a top-class horse in his own right, for the place. Then in 1997, Phipps’ highly regarded Wood Memorial runner-up Accelerator suffered a fractured leg the morning before the Derby.
In 2002, Ogden Phipps died at age 93 and his son Ogden Mills, better known as Dinny, became sole owner of the Phipps horses, having previously run some horses in his name. Finally, in 2013, Dinny celebrated the family’s first Kentucky Derby victory with Orb, but the son of Malibu Moon ran in the colors of his cousin and partner Stuart Janney III. Those historic black silks and cherry cap still had never crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby.
Dinny Phipps died in 2016 at age 75, with the duties of choosing the matings of the mares turned over to his daughter Daisy. It was a rough go for several years. The pressure of nearly 100 years of Phipps family success was a lot to pile on anyone. In 2023, Daisy signed a foal sharing agreement with Vinnie Viola of St. Elias Stable, co-owner of 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming. They had previous breeding arrangements, but made the agreement that year where St. Elias would partner on all the Phipps-bred colts.
“In the last ten years, we made several changes,” Daisy said. “We don’t have as big of a broodmare band as when my grandfather was alive or when my father was alive. My grandfather probably had 40 broodmares. We keep between 16 and 20 now. And we brought in partners, and we’ve sold more horses at auction than we have ever in the past. And that’s to breed better stallions and get better fillies at the end of the day.”
Daisy also had teamed up with John Sparkman, Viola’s bloodstock advisor, to discuss possible matings, and they decided to breed the Phipps-owned and bred stakes filly Carrumba, a daughter of Bernardini, to Curlin. Carrumba’s only stakes victory of her career came in the Top Flight Stakes, run on April 10, 2016. Her jockey? Jose Ortiz.
Sparkman remembers the resulting foal, who was born at Claiborne Farm, as have the majority of the Phipps horses over the years, as being a playful colt who liked to clown around a bit. He also took a number of photos of him as a yearling.
Golden Tempo as a yearling at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky.
Monique Delk. St. Elias’ CEO, would visit Claiborne regularly. “He was always a beautiful physical as a young horse,” she said. “He looked like he was only going to get better with age. He was a very well made solid colt and has always been all class. He never caused any trouble, just did his job and was a true pleasure to be around. When he was in his early training (in Williston, Florida) he never showed any early speed, just kind of a one paced type. He never did anything wrong, but definitely didn’t strike us as precocious.”
Named Golden Tempo, he was turned over to Cherie DeVaux, former assistant to Chad Brown, who was still building up her stable after going out on her own and beginning to have success.
“Cherie and I have known each other for a number of years,” Daisy said. “I have been watching the way she trains. She’s in Kentucky and I live in Kentucky. And I love the way she works with horses and develops them.”
When Golden Tempo made his career debut on December 20 going six furlongs at Fair Grounds, DeVaux knew six furlongs was too short him, as he was always thought of as a natural stayer. All she wanted was to get a race in him and just hope he was able to close ground at the end. Well, Golden Tempo not only closed ground, he came storming from last with a knockout :23 2/5 final quarter to win. When a young horse surprises his trainer by doing something he wasn’t expected to do, and didn’t even seem capable of doing, you have to start paying close attention to him.
“He became a different horse beginning with his first start,” said Delk, who Viola called “the heart and soul of our operation.” She added, “The light certainly came on for him. He still doesn’t have any early speed, but he has quite a closing kick.”
DeVaux then finally got to stretch him out in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, but against some proven stakes horses. Undaunted by the big step up in class, Golden Tempo, again last at the top of the stretch, cut to the inside and came flying late to beat his stablemate Mesquite by three-quarters of a length. Granted, the final fractions of :26 1/5 and :06 3/5 were slow, but he did make up seven lengths, came home his final sixteenth in :06 1/5, and we’re talking about a colt coming off only one six-furlong race. DeVaux said he always was “a laid-back colt with a great mind and showed it by doing everything asked of him.”
Golden Tempo with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard winning the January, 17 Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds.
As part of the breeding and foal sharing agreement with St. Elias, Golden Tempo had been considered the best of the three horses they bred in 2023, and it was now full speed ahead with the Kentucky Derby as their goal.
“I think he should keep improving with time and distance; he’s a very classy colt and a pleasure to have in the barn,” said Delk earlier this year.
Sparkman, having seen the colt mature from a playful clown into a polished and professional racehorse, also began thinking ahead to the Derby. “I would love to see Daisy win, as I would also love to see us win another one. With a century of family history hanging over her head, she has had to decide which fillies out of those great mares they kept and which ones they sold. The lines are still producing, but mostly from the ones they sold, so this would take a lot of the pressure off her.”
Golden Tempo’s tail-female line traces to the Phipps-owned and bred mares Blitey and Con Game. Another thing Golden Tempo had going for him was the abundance of class in his pedigree and the connection with Claiborne Farm, where most of the great Phipps horses are buried, having been born and resided there as stallions and broodmares. Looking at Golden Tempo’s pedigree, he is inbred to Mr. Prospector and Sir Ivor, who both stood at Claiborne. Also in his pedigree are Secretariat, Riva Ridge, Spectacular Bid, Nijinsky II, Seeking the Gold, Buckpasser, Bold Ruler, Round Table, Forli, Nasrullah, and Princequillo, all of whom stood at Claiborne Farm. Who knows if Golden Tempo will join that iconic group of all-time greats some day.
So, by mid-February, Golden Tempo was undefeated in two starts, was a Grade 3 winner going two turns, and had a pedigree and a history that made him a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender. But then came the 1 1/8-mile Risen Star Stakes and a disappointing third-place finish behind early Derby favorite Paladin and the pace-setting Chip Honcho, in which he was beaten six lengths.
But as DeVaux said, “The goal isn’t to win these races; the goal is to win the Derby. Each race is a building point to get there. And Jose came out and worked him.”
The plan was to stretch out to 1 3/16 miles in the Louisiana Derby and then go six weeks to the Kentucky Derby and the mile and a quarter, which, with his pedigree, everyone around him was looking forward to.
After speaking with Ortiz, it was decided to add blinkers for the Louisiana Derby. He worked with them in his five-furlong drill in a swift 1:00 2/5 in company with the Reagan’s Honor, and DeVaux had him on the inside going toe to toe with his more brilliant workmate without ever being asked. Golden Tempo never let Reagan’s Honor get his head in front and maintained a half-lengh advantage on the gallop-out.
“I just wanted him to get a more tactical position in the Louisiana Derby rather than be as far out of it as he was in the Risen Star,” DeVaux said. “And I’m hoping it translates in the race without changing his running style.” She also said she felt he was training much better with the blinkers.
But in the Louisiana Derby, even with the addition of blinkers, he was very far back early, and despite an extremely odd stretch run, in which Ortiz abruptly steered him to the inside some seven paths to the rail while making his run and losing a good deal of momentum, he still was beaten only a length by the highly regarded Emerging Market. No one can say for sure if he could have won had he stayed on his path, but horses rarely win doing what he did to that extent. But the sneaky part is that his Thoro-Graph numbers shot from a series of “7s” to a “2 1/2.” So that actually put him right on schedule to peak on Derby Day with another forward move expected.
DeVaux decided to keep Golden Tempo at Keeneland and do all his serious training there, and he responded with four exceptional works. In one work, a sharp half-mile in :47, he blew by five other horses who were training in his gallop-out.
“He seems to be thriving here and we’re excited to see how the next few weeks develop,” DeVaux said. “I’ve never felt that if a horse didn’t fire at Churchill Downs it was the result of not having a race or a work over the track. It’s been amazing to watch him develop.”
There is nothing quite as special in racing as the pageantry of Derby Day, and to yours truly, the highlight this year was listening to “My Old Kentucky Home” and seeing Golden Tempo in the post parade decked out in the famed black silks and cherry cap of the Phipps family for the first time since Easy Goer 37 years ago.
Sent off at odds of 23-1, Golden Tempo broke from post 16 and escaped a jam-up when Ortiz steered him inside and was able to save ground. As the pace quickened with a quarter in :22 3/5 and a half in :46 2/5, Golden Tempo found himself 18th and last, some 17 lengths off the lead and five lengths behind the next-to-last horse. The pace remained brisk with the the three-quarters run in 1:10 4/5. Then the leaders began dropping back and the deep closers began making their move from far back. It was exactly the setup the closers were hoping for. When the 70-1 maiden Ocelli, who was lapped outside Renegade in 15th, surprisingly was the first to accelerate, it enabled Irad Ortiz on Renegade to ease out for clear sailing. Golden Tempo was also on the move, with Jose following his brother, but still had a ton of ground to make up and was still 13th at the top of the stretch.
After turning for home, all the pace horses were in rapid retreat and already out of the race, except one. It was the Japanese invader Danon Bourbon who, despite pressing that fast pace in second, opened a two length lead, which he still held at the eighth pole. That’s when Ocelli shockingly came storming up alongside him and stuck his head in front approaching the sixteenth pole. Renegade then found his best stride and began closing in with Golden Tempo, way out in the middle of the track, now right off his flank. The pair charged past Ocelli and duked it out to the finish with Golden Tempo hitting the wire a neck in front. Ocelli ran on well for third, with Chief Wallabee just nailing a game Danon Bourbon for fourth. The lightly raced Japanese colt actually ran a sensational race to be beaten only three lengths after running such fast fractions chasing the leader.
Golden Tempo, left, defeats Renegade by a neck with the maiden Ocelli finishing ¾ of a length back in third.
But the hero of the day was Golden Tempo, who put his trainer in the history books as the first female to capture the roses and also carry those iconic Phipps colors across the finish line first, exactly 100 years after the family started in racing in 1926. Ironically, Claiborne Farm, which has been so closely associated with the Phipps family horses, won their first Breeders’ Cup Classic some 15 years ago with Blame on their 100th anniversary.
Although Vinnie Viola commended Sparkman for being “so certain about breeding Carrumba to Curlin,” Sparkman said, “All credit goes to Daisy for his mating. I’m actually glad the horse ran in her silks today.”
Daisy added, “This is everything to anybody in horse racing, really. This is what we breed to race. This is why you do it, to be on stages like this, and have them run the way he ran. And to have him raised at Claiborne Farm.”
Her brother, Ogden II, who also is involved in the operation, along with his five sisters, was there with the entire family. “We always thought what this feeling would be like to be all together and do it. But this far surpassed it.”
It was also a special moment for DeVaux to accomplish this with Jose Ortiz. “I have know Jose since he was a kid,” she said. “He and Irad are both extraordinary human beings and hard workers. I watched Jose develop, and we’ve done a lot together. But just to know him from the very beginning to now, it’s a complete honor and I’m so proud of him.”
As Monique Delk said, “What an exhilarating race and unbelievable finish. I’m just blessed to be able to do what I love. And for amazing people. I’m very lucky.”
The Kentucky Derby has always been so much more than just a horse race. It is a piece of Americana where dreams come true for very few, and shattered for so many others. Yes in the end it is about the fulfillment of the dream, but the true magic of it is the pursuit of that dream, because for all through those long agonizing pressure-filled months leading up to it, everyone with a 3-year-old colt in their mind is standing in that winner’s circle with the roses draped over their horse.
The Phipps/St. Elias Stable connections join Golden Tempo in the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner’s circle.
Yes, the 152nd Kentucky Derby will be remembered for the history made by Cherie Devaux and the thrilling finish. But to me, as a racing child of the ’60s, it will also be about those black silks and cherry cap and the flashes of a time gone by when colors were embedded in your mind and homebreds carrying those colors ruled the sport. On this special day, they did once again.
Photos courtesy of Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal, John Sparkman, the Fair Grounds, and Scott Utterback and Matt Stone/Courier Journal.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Steve
Another awesome read !
Thanks so much
Once again, a fantastic Derby season authored by you.
Steve, you write some of the most heartfelt and moving stories that I have ever read in my entire life.
This article was again a truly marvelous piece.
I went back to read two of your past articles on two of my favorite horses:
Barbaro and Broad Brush. The feelings that I had reading them back then was resurrected once again.
You are amazing!
Thanks for the time you spend for us with your thoughts and stories.
David
Thank you SO .much!!!
Do people have something against Laurel besides the small grandstand?
Looking at the Friday BlackEyed Susan card, I see some relatively short fields. The Pimlico Special looks to have come up very light. I only know a couple of those horses. The rest are who, who, and who. No offense.
Laurel gets big everyday fields….I recall two names: Chick Lang and Jim McKay…..and a horse or two: Spectacular Bid, a horse that would settle, out of the gate—but had Dr Fager-like speed, and made those early moves….I also think Broad Brush was from Maryland, although I could be wrong, about that…. crop that featured Ferdinand and Snow Chief and Badger Land…..The 2026 Preakness could be a good betting race, but it’s going to be a second-rate field, quality wise….and 4,000 fans, wow…..
Silent Tactic out again with his hoof issue. He may have been the favorite.
Just read that, unfortunate.
Was leaning towards him to win.
I am glad to see Incredibolt entered in the Preakness Stakes.
Kudos to Riley Mott for meeting the challenge that many other trainers are reluctant to face. His horse is primed to peak in the Preakness.
Incredibolt is my key horse in every bet this Saturday.
The biggest issue, with wanting the Triple Crown more spread out is the HISA drug clearing time, not the “good of the horse”…I predict they will eventually space it out to the first Saturday in May, June, July, with a but July 4th card… Ii doubt that will fill The Preakness gate with Derby horses..
Or as Wayne said…First Saturday in May….Memorial Day Weekend….July 4th Weekend….
Taj Mahal looks like a sprinter to me. I know. He got a mile and an eighth in the Frederico Tesio romp. But he got away with a 1:14+ 6-furlong pace. 3 for 3 at Laurel.
But his latest workout confirmed what I saw in the Tesio. He looks like a sprinter.
The Hell We Did’s final workout was sabotaged by two interruptions due to a rider off a horse and later, a loose horse. He runs with his head up. But I don’t care. I like the looks of that guy, and he will be my play if he draws a decent post position. 1 thru 8 hopefully.
Did anyone catch Chad Brown’s comments after the Peter Pan? He didn’t sound like Growth Equity wants to go a step further than a mile and an eighth. No matter.
Brown and Seth Klarman have a better one for the Belmont. One that may only need a clean trip to win at Saratoga.
No one names their horses with worse names than growth equity owners it just goes on and on with them naming them names like that boring and hard to root for
Totally agree. Hate the Klaravich names. Impersonal and just terrible names for horses. I wonder if he has dogs. Can’t believe he hasn’t used Hedge Fund Trader yet or Insider Trading. Well to each his own.
You’ve both articulated something I’ve been thinking for years! I can’t stand the names they give their horses–charmless, unimaginative, and utterly unworthy of these beautiful animals.
Yeah Steve, how about Sell Short or Financial Crash or Pyramid Scheme?
I see that one of the winners at Monmouth today is named Hedge Ratio. Guess who owns him? Yup.
Stonks!
I’ve always thought that naming horses must be one of the great joys of being an owner. I could never imagine anyone delegating that job to his employees or using Klaravich-style names. There are so many beautiful, imaginative, and personally meaningful names out there just waiting to be used. Alfred Vanderbilt was known for coming up with original and often humorous names based on the names of the sire and dam, and his contemporaries also showed good judgment Today the good names are harder to find. I think Sovereignty is probably the best name out there right now with Ted Noffey, Renegade, and Paladin close runners up.
Lot of speed this year
I think we could learn a lot from Coolmore or Godolphin when naming horses!
Yes!
Loved your colum.as always. Love.the Phipps horses. I even picked Dapper Dan! I was a kid. And took pictures outside the fence of my beloved Easy Goer. Only you left out Coronado’s Quest who i would press against the fence to see, before I had a badge. Thas t spring when he matured and kept winning
HIS TRAVERS was sensational!
Steve, you’re the only person I know where words escape me after reading your stories for so many years. This one I really enjoyed because of the history of the Phipps Family. So thank you Steve, for showing that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
Thank you very much JR. I really appreciate it.
Another trainer decided to skip the Preakness with a Derby winner. It is their prerogative to do whatever they want with their horses. It is perfectly fine to try preserving their horses after a demanding effort. After all, they know how an iron horse feels like.
I respect that. However, we should also respect the people who believe that a two week span gives them the advantage of momentum. If a fresh horse is good enough to defeat their Derby champion they assume it gracefully. On the other hand, If they get the double crown, then, they say present when greatness is calling their name.
What I don’t buy is the arguments some people are throwing in the media to change the spacing between the Derby and the Preakness.
They say that modern training philosophies prevents trainers to run horses with two-week rest.
I ask them: Who are the trainers representing the “modern philosophy of training”?
There are a myriad of trainers and owners who understand and respect the tradition of the Triple Crown and do not use long rest as a pretext to quit on glory.
Are (for instance) the following trainers not applying modern practices?
Ken McPeek, Mark Casse, Robert Baffert, Gustavo Delgado, Doug O’Neill, Shug McGaughey, Steve Asmussen, and Michael McCarthy.
They have trained their horses to meet the unique challenge of the Triple Crown. They are not out there to change the game and make the challenge easier than the one faced by the great horses of the past.
Why would they want the glory without the grind?
The Spend A Book’s camp decided to skip the TC and go for the 2-million bonus in the Jersey Derby 41 years ago. During that period 36 Derby victors also contested the Preakness. Yes, the five disruptors ocurred the last 8 years. Again, I respect the decision of Eric Reed, Brad Cox, Bill Mott, and Cherie DeVaux; but I don’t see their particular reasons to be strong enough to change the Triple Crown rules.
If you are not able to run a marathon then run a half marathon… don’t campaign to change the 42 kilometers characterizing a marathon.
If you need more resting time between Triathlon competitions don’t cancel the rules of Triathlon; just compete in a single discipline.
Another argument against the traditional TC schedule is that the modern Thoroughbreds are weaker and more fragile.
Are Curlin, Hard Spun, American Pharoah, Justify, Journalism and many other horses who contested the three legs of the Triple Crown weak?
Is there hard scientific evidence that running two weeks after the Derby will shorten the horse career?
Of course, there is a commercial interest in having the Derby winner in the Preakness but this is a topic for another time.
To me, the fact that we had two Triple Crown champions in 2015 and 2018 is a clear evidence that there is nothing wrong with the tradition.
I don’t mind the agenda of changing the current schedule of the Triple Crown if there are 20 more trainers subscribing it in the future. Meanwhile, I will be rooting for the traditionalists who are devoted to creating the next Triple Crown champion with the same rubric as the other champions. They are true custodians of greatness.
Good post. Maybe some trainers have an exalted sense of their abilities to make a horse perfect on a certain day. They are afraid if a horse regresses a bit it will reflect on their abilities or judgement. I was an amature distance runner and i never knew how i’d feel on a certain day until i started running. Horses have good days and bad; if they’re sound, they should run. I also liked your statement about a horse gathering momentum by racing. And if these horses are gutted by one race, it’s probably because they race so rarely they lack foundation. It’s also ridiculous that runners up are rarely even considered for the Preakness.
Thanks for your reply Todd.
As a runner you know well that you adjust your training for the particular race or races you planned to run.
But the opposite is being suggested…
I feel like some people in the media are proposing to change the race stipulations to fit the training style/limitations/preferences of certain trainers.
It seems to me like even if certain trainers win the Derby by 20 lengths in 1:58 and change they will still skip the Preakness because they fear a regression…!
I understand that it is very hard to deliberately train to win three (demanding) races unless you have a very special horse. Let’s wait for that star to rise and stop making excuses for the undistinquished horses.
👏👏👏👏🐎🐎🐎
Really love your post thank u
Thanks Nick… I am glad you like it.
Well said, Nelson. My dad and I had this very conversation earlier this week.
Just for fun, to mix our sports metaphors, a quote from A League of Their Own:
“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”
Thanks Katy.
You summarize very well the spirit behind the Triple Crown challenge.
Great post Nelson! Can’t agree more! As Katy said in her post, “it’s suppose to be hard”!
Thanks Bruce.
What the revisionists are not calculating is that it will be more difficult to see a Triple Crown champion with a month hiatus between the jewels. I.e. many more uncertainties and risks happening in 60 days than in 30 days.
Great Post! I bet the Preakness Futures Pool. I threw out anything Mott had, anything Pletcher had, (he has never won a Preakness with one of his Derby winners because his horses are never ready for the two-week turnaround.) I would always throw out Neil Drysdale, love the guy but his training was never ready for the same two-week turnaround. Same reason I threw out all Chad Brown horses. He is great at getting a horse ready in a month or five weeks but never two weeks. The only two trainers I would trust to have them ready were Lukas, RIP and Bob Baffert, seeing results from his past. I took Potente, hoping he would win the Derby and Bob would put him in the Preakness. Oh well. It is not the horse; it is the trainer that isn’t ready. They don’t make trainers like they used to. Today’s trainers are so fragile, so afraid, just so-so.
Happy Saturday everyone.
So thankful for the rain we finally received the past week. My state is in an extreme drought situation.
Quick note on the Kentucky Derby, it will go down in my book at least as one of the best ever.
My husband watched it with me which is a very rare occasion.
All the colts looked fantastic. Unfortunate about Great White.
No favorite yet for the Preakness, still mulling that over.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms!
As always a fabulous article Steve. Looking forward to your take on the Preakness!
Who goes favored in the Preakness?
Chip Honcho with Derby winning jockey Jose Ortiz for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Iron Honor with Flavien Prat for Chad Brown. Prat & Brown always take money.
Ocelli the Maiden who comes off the highest last race BSF. Third in the Derby.
Silent Tactic seems to have a huge fan following and solid numbers with this group.
Taj Mahal the “house horse” winner of the Tesio. Trained by another woman trainer.
My guess would be Silent Tactic. Solid numbers with this bunch but seems stuck in neutral. Hasn’t really jumped forward like you would want to see.
Taj Mahal could be interesting. I call him the “house horse” because he won the
Frederick Tesio as a prep for this race. A beautiful rising numbers pattern. Trained by the very popular Brittany Russell and ridden by her husband. A powerful couple in Maryland. Many of the 4,800 patrons are probably their friends and family.
Another Aloma’s Ruler? IDK. I want to see the Form and watch some replays.
I wonder what Cowboy Jack is up to these days?
As far as I can tell, they will be taking entries and drawing post positions on Monday.
Apologies. It’s called the Frederico Tesio. No offense.
I found a replay. Taj Mahal went wire to wire at 6-5 odds out of the #10 post. Extreme outside gate on the day. Taj Mahal got away with a 1:14+change 6-furlongs. I have no idea what was behind him. I doubt that Taj Mahal gets away with that next Saturday. Surely, Chip Honcho will be on or very close to the pace.
Is that the year Aloma’s Ruler rode the rail bias to beat favored Linkage? The early 80s were my favorite time in racing. I was just learning and everything seemed bigger.
Thank you, Steve, once again for a complete
& beautifully written description of this year’s Kentucky Derby!!!
One of the many things I love about the Kentucky Derby is that there’s almost always something to be happy about. If you really want one horse to win and he doesn’t, there’s a lot of disappointment. But there’s always someone–or maybe several someones–whose joy you can share.
First there was Cherie DeVaux, who got most of the publicity as the first woman ever to train a Derby winner. That’s a great achievement, and she has my congratulations. But to me, even more important than her gender is the fact that she’s an outstanding trainer and obviously a fine person. She deserved her Derby win.
Then there was the Phipps family. I’ve watched four generations of Phippses race their horses, and I loved your column about them. The old families of racing, as they used to be called, have pretty much disappeared, and it’s wonderful to see one surface again in such a spectacular way. I remember many years ago seeing Mrs. Dinny Phipps in the Saratoga walking ring surrounded by a lot of little girls. I never imagined that one of those little girls would grow up to win the race that her illustrious grandfather and great-grandmother never managed to win. It was also gratifying to see Buckpasser’s silks in the winner’s circle on the 60th anniversary of the Derby he never got to run in.
Then there were two people who, as far as I know, didn’t get any publicity but whose role in this year’s Derby astounds me. Imagine what it must have been like for the Ortiz parents to watch their two sons battling for the win in the world’s most coveted race. They knew that, whichever way it went, one of them was going to win and the other wasn’t but he was going to beat everybody else. I wonder if they were cheering for anybody or if they were just thinking “Wow, look what we’ve accomplished!” The pride must have been beyond belief. I’m glad they got that experience.
So, even though my horse lost by a neck, a lot of good things happened on Saturday, and we can all enjoy them.
Nice post Jeffy. I share your joyfulness around this Derby.
Seeing the black silks and cherry cap in the winning circle brought to mind the great homebred Thoroughbreds raised by the private stables of the Golden Age.
It reminded me of all the strong, top-quality and durable racehorses bred and ownded by Ogden Phipps. The images of Buckpasser, Personal Ensign, Inside Information, Heavenly Prize, and Easy Goer paraded in my mind like a nostalgic kaleidoscope.
The old dynastic stables might not be as prominent now but it is nice that the Phipps keep the tradition alive and their breeding philosophy. Their contribution to the breeding is incalculable. Naming all the superior horses with Phipps family in their pedigrees would take a whole column.
Also, the Ortiz brothers did something unique taking the Derby exacta. It was very special with their family accompanying them as you said.
When Jose Ortiz won his first race in Puerto Rico on January 7, 2012 he dedicated the win to his older brother Irad who already was doing well in New York. Jose acknowledged that Irad was his inspiration and his teacher. Jose followed Irad in New York to begin their successful journey in America. It is curious that following Irad’s path with Renegade in the Derby also let Jose achieve his zenith. You described well what mom and dad must have felt witnessing their boys make history.
The one two Derby finish was the greatest mother’s day gift for Mrs. Ortiz.
Thank you, Nelson. You said it very well, too. I didn’t think about the Mother’s Day connection, but she certainly has a lot to celebrate. Now I wonder what we can expect for Father’s Day.
Preakness defections, At my age unfortunately I’ve gotten used to it. Used to be that the top finishers in the Derby came out of the race the fittest. I can’t remember to many trainers and owners from the 70’s to 2000’s saying their horses need a rest. Their were some who pointed to the Belmont. Great rivalries were born from running in all 3 races. that kept the publics attention. Horses used to race to train, so we saw them. Now with train to race we see them less. With the foal crop down to 18k subtracting from that the % of them that get to races the result less racing. This year Ocelli has a chance to do what Risen Star, Afleet Alex had done. I hope he surprise us. That might keep the publics attention!
Jose won 5 on Friday, including The Oaks….he won The Derby on Saturday….and then he flew into NYC and before rushing back to ride seven, at Churchill…he walked into Yankee Stadium, with Cherries…they threw out first pitches …Jose’s was the best first pitch I ever saw, better than President Bush’s….(Although Bush did it right after 9/11)..
I don’t know if anyone out there noticed in the excitement leading up to this year’s Derby, but the Kentucky legislature voted to over-ride Bashear’s veto of fixed-odds- wagering in the state. Which is the best news that I’ve heard so we can screw the CAW from the recent screwing that they have unleashed on all of us. T. O. Elvis? 12-1? Race goes off and he is 5-1 into the first turn? Hear that? That’s the sound of your computers crashing.
The CAW people have their own computer link…they can push thousands of wagers in an instant. Kentucky does not NEED THIS, they are quite solvent….SoCal NEEDS CAW, to survive, and yet they shut the CAW win pool access two minutes before, and the odds drops have stopped….SoCal depends 100% on wagers, but they are willing to lose revenue, to keep things “proper”… CDI doesn’t give a rip, about the bettors!!!
Thanks again for another smashing article, Steve. Really enjoyed finding out more about Golden Tempo and his connections… I’m glad you included Cherie’s quote about the goal not to win the prep races, but to win the Derby. I heard her say that in an interview this week & it stuck out to me as an amateur handicapper. Sometimes we seem to get too stuck on how these 3-year olds finish in their preps & use that as a basis for comparison. Well, I admit to doing that anyways. But, her quote will help me recalibrate for next year… One more note: Jose Ortiz said on the TDN podcast that he studied Mine That Bird’s Derby win over and over prior to this year’s Derby. He thought the racing style of his horse with MTB was very similar & thought it would be a good “sample” to study. Interestingly, Ortiz rode GT almost exactly like MTB which was to stay in last place until the 3/4 pole & then make his move. If there was space along the rail, Ortiz would likely have taken that path like Borel did, but instead he took GT to the far outside by following his brother to the finish line… Have to love horse racing. : ) Cheers, Shelly.
Which is only reason he won …copied playbook of Mine That Bird
You take yourself too seriously,’Bonnie’. That’s not the only reason GT prevailed. Can you say sour grapes?
Maybe Calvin Borel on Mine That Bird copied the playbook of Calvin Borel’s ’07 ride on Street Sense. I don’t think in the heat of the moment Jose copied anyone. He ran the race that he thought Golen Tempo run style could prevail in.
Thank u Steve. This moment is also very special to Curlin. Waited a lot of yrs hoping to witness the last piece of the TC puzzle for Curlin. So glad it happened
I’m with you, Mark. So happy and proud for Curlin. Curlin breeding in top 3 in Derby! Hoping the fertility issue is temporary.
Steve,
Great article on the Phipps. I always thought they were more prominent in the Triple Crown races as far as winners but prior to Golden Tempo winning this year they only have had 3 Triple Crown race winners … Bold Ruler (KD), Orb (KD) and Easy Goer (Belmont). But their success in other areas of the sport is amazing having amassed over 300 stakes winner 29 champions and 8 hall of famers.
As always have a great week.
Keep it going!!
* Kentucky Oaks moved to prime time
* Kentucky Derby max 14 horses (for the love of horse safety and bettor fairness)
* Preakness 4 weeks after the Kentucky Derby
I love tradition. But I’m also for making things better. And all of those ideas are better than the current format.
I would be against all three of those things. No offense.
The quick turnaround from the Oaks on Friday night to the early start on Derby Day was very difficult. I found myself running on two and a half hours of sleep on Saturday and trying to figure out 14 equine puzzles. I could barely stay awake for the 13th and 14th races even though I had action on both contests.
We only get 20 horses in a race once a year in this country. This year, only 18 horses made the starting gate. More horses mean better payoffs. Take a chance and go for the score of a lifetime.
I think the Triple Crown is perfect the way it is. I look forward to it every year. Owners have the right to run their horses when and where they want. Last year, Godolphin did what they thought was best for their horse and their best interests. Golden Tempo’s connections probably don’t see their horse as capable of winning all three races. Choosing to give him his best chance of winning The Derby, The Belmont, and maybe The Travers. That sounds like a pretty good plan. It takes a special horse to win the Triple Crown. No offense, but I haven’t seen any American Pharoahs, Secretariats, or even a Justify in this year’s crop. Maybe next year. If not next year, Amr Zedan and BB have a $4million horse out in California that might make some noise when he gets his chance.
I don’t understand why people take it so personally when a horse skips the Preakness. Some posters have commented that a horse that would have won all three Triple Crown races in 2025 or 2026 would have been an “Asterisk Triple Crown Winner” because of the Belmont at Saratoga being only a mile and a quarter. If they change the spacing of the races, there will have to be some asterisks thrown in there as well.
Right on Tommy!
I just don’t think that Cherie etc think that he can’t win ANY race. He would be the best horse in the preakness no doubt. Theres way too much crying from the fans too, complaining about this n that like they owned the race. Yes, let’s leave the TC alone. The name “triple crown” came after the fact. The first triple crown wasn’t refered to as such…the name didnt come about until after Sir Barton won all three races….just once, instead of comparing him to Rich Strike and the like, I want them to say these words all at once…”Golden Temp, 2026 Kentucky Derby winner”. …the disrespect some fans show for GT is sad…some of them can’t name three trainers not named Pletcher or Ba ff ert….just my opinion
I can’t agree with you more. Golden Tempo winning the Derby off of a 95 Beyer would be a bad bet to win the Preakness. He needs time off; what? You want to win this Triple Crown? 95 Beyer, followed by a Preakness at Laurel, followed by a 10 furlong Belmont at Saratoga, that in the last number of years favors stalkers? Not until Belmont and Pimlico are restored and then you have a Triple Crown with no asterisk. I think this is a very good crop of horses but a bad generation of jockeys that are in dire need of more Classic distance races. They need practice. Derbies run in 1:10 and change are always going to fall apart on the front end.
Leave the TC alone. If the connections today cant do what the connections before did make them create their own lesser crown. Let’s keep the best separate from the weaker.
Good idea…if they cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen…
Keep writing about 60s.
I remember when Orb benefitted from a fast paced KD in the not so old days when horses ran more than occasionally. Oxbow (Preakness) and Palace Malice (Belmont) had attended the too fast KD pace and came back and won those respective races with more realistic paces. That’s when handicapping principles can pay off. I’m not sure if any of the KD runners will distinguish themselves, but I believe that Golden Tempo, who was best on the right day, has enjoyed his day in the sun. And Orb, while not remotely a great horse, was better than GT.
We’ll see.
Orb? Please!
GT has already done everything Orb did! Even if GT retired today he’s better than Orb in my opinion…
GT is the better horse.
Orb had a winning Beyer of 104. Golden Tempo a 95. Case closed.
Preakness Stakes winning Beyers: Oxbow 112, California Chrome, Swiss Skydiver and Early Voting 105, American Pharoah, Cloud Computing and Rombauer 102, Exaggerator 101, Seize the Grey 100, War of Will 99, Journalism and National Treasure 98. Where is Justify? 97.
So what? He won,case closed!
I find it interesting that the very people who hate Andy Beyer and his figures are now using them just to disparage Golden Tempo, the reighning Kentucky Derby winner!
Danon Bourbon, Emerging Market and Potente will never win a G1 ….just a prediction!
Renegade has never run a triple digit beyer….will he ever or will he not hit 100? No 3yo has done what the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner Golden Temp has done….He will run even better next time out…regardless of the numerical value, GT’s Beyers have gone up every time he runs….Renegade is a nice horse and ran his best race ever in the Derby although his Beyers regressed which is usually not good….watch out for the Chief come Belmont day…
Golden Tempo nothing compared to Orb. If Golden Tempo bypasses Preakness and Belmont…we’ll,there you go 😒 Agree with everything you said Todd
Looks like Bob’s horse, CV is skipping the Preakness. Isn’t he supposed to be the next big horse?
Remember Uncle Chuck…
Golden Tempo is the best 3 yo in the land!!!
He did, after all, win the Ky Dby.
Seems the feedback is that he is a fluke and comparing him to Rich Strike and others is amusing.
After a troubled start he settled in last place. One by one he picked them off including Commandment, Futther Ado, So Happy and a couple of other hit shots and last but not least he ran right by Renegade to get up at the wire.
He won the the Ky Derby…nobody else did…no dead heat , either.
Right now I believe GT is the reigning 3yo…bar none. I consider Renegade second best…he ran a monster race in defeat… looked like the 1 hole did him in.
Can’t wait for the Belmont…hoping they both go…GT has set the tone…perhaps Renegade can turn the tables and rise to the challenge…
Good luck to all in the Preakness!
Golden Tempo,if remains healthy, will make some noise this summer.
For sure, Mike!
Renegade, the Chief, are playbacks next time…FA, Commandment, So Happy will hopefully regroup and be back this summer…the Chief might be a good Belmont horse…great pedigree and had as much trouble in the stretch run as any of them….
Good things are yet to come, Dom.
😆 ….whatever. Like, No.
Yes, today he is the best 3-year-old. He has won the Kentucky Derby with a not very fast time or Beyer. He is only as good as Rich Strike, Mine That Bird, Country House, Orb and a few others. He will need to do far more than those from this point on, maybe he will and maybe he won’t. He is not a fluke. If Ocelli had won this race, would he be looked at as a fluke? Would he be looked at as the best 3-year-old in the land? Yes, he would. Only time and results will reveal who the best is. Further Ado, Renegade, Commandment, Danon Bourbon, Emerging Market and Potente are not going to roll up in the fetal position because they just lost to Golden Tempo.
I always learn something from reading your blogs Steve!! Thank you for writing these stories!! Loved it!
Thank you Joanne.
If you watch the replay Occeli took out emerging market, chief wallabee as well as a few others inc Commandment
For as long as I can remember….Horse Racing has relied on The Triple Crown, for its popularity…there is sports talk radio…right now—wondering out loud WHY horses are starting to skip the Triple Crown…
“wise”….for the horse? “Wise”…..for Horse RACING?
A wise decision by Golden Tempo’s connections to skip the Preakness and point to the Belmont Stakes, IMO.
I also feel the same way about Tempo skipping the Preakness. The owners pay the bills it’s their discretion IMO!
Exactly. Golden Tempo’s welfare is paramount. Running in the Preakness is secondary in importance, IMO. Clearly, the time has come to reschedule the Preakness. A three-week lapse between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness is in the best interest of the horses that ran in the Derby.
Moving the Preakness another week out and consequently the Belmont the same wouldn’t seem to impact any major races booked for those weeks. I think it’d be the best interest of all concerned….JMO
I think it should be left alone! It’s s lot like baseball’s triple crown…only one since Yaz did it in ’67. If it happened every other year it would suck. It’s meant to be hard so only a very special horse can do it…its not all that rare…its been done 13 times….we shouldnt try to accomadate the riff raff who have no business in the derby to begin with….we’re not hear to help anybody win it…if snything we need to preserve the difficulty of such a major accomplishment….
You really think another week would change their mind? Or even four weeks? Golden Tempo had SIX WEEKS before The Derby, and I get it …it’s HARD to come back off two weeks, it has ALWAYS been hard …NBA stars require games off, TODAY….they used to play all 82 IN CONVERSE canvas shoes!…..Baseball players used to wear NOTHING but their uniforms, today they come to bat in body armour….pitchers lift weights, are 230 lbs, throw 95mph…..and six innings is considered “great”…..now Horse Racing can’t do what horses USED TO DO? ” BEst for the horse”, blah blah blah…..bubble wrap them, race sparingly….as the sport slowly fades away …
CC, hoped GT would skip. Should be sitting on go next month.
Should be a good Belmont. Renegade, Wallabee & Tempo are probables. No Commandment or The Puma listed. Hope there’s speed for GT to run at.
Me ,also.
Boy I, too…feel like a knucklehead, for not betting Golden Tempo! My logic on Potente was he already had qualified, in his penultimate prep…well so had Golden Tempo, neither needed to win their final prep race…..it’s an angle I like, and I just did not take Golden Tempo into proper consideration..
I think Golden Tempo needed the points he got in the Louisiana Derby.
They were trying to win that race, and didn’t, partly because Jose Ortiz dived to the rail to avoid Pavlovian pushing Emerging Market out towards his lane.
I think it’s pretty hard to decide to run second or third, I don’t agree with you about Potente, he lost ground in the SA Derby, most likely because he was tired.
I meant herding by pushing.
I thought he won fifty points before the LA Derby? And I thought his LA Derby was pretty solid, I did not see the other two bearing out, but GT ran well …I like a horse that qualifies early….it’s why I played Potente, I think Golden Tempo was already qualified….Potente was one of the horses that got jostled about, several times…but like you say…he may be distance challenged, I still like the colt….there were quite a few like that, it was a roughly run Derby—I don’t think it’s a great crop, I thought Renegade was best, he took a bad bumping incident in the first furlong…but Golden Tempo won, he out finished Renegade….I surely hope they don’t change the Triple Crown, horses can do it….Art Sherman told me Chrome needed two more weeks, but he only got beat two lengths, in The Belmont, The Triple Crown is HARD, always has been…..I wish they keep it like it always has been—hard..
He had 35 points before the LD, 60 after it, so he needed the points. I remember talk about him not going even with 60.
This year’s front runners have YET to prove their quality, Golden Tempo and Renegade already DID. Last year’s crop aside from the top three haven’t panned out very well. I would put GT and Renegade at the top three level from last year, at this point, they ran just as well in the Derby. I think Renegade might beat Sovereignty at some point, just my opinion, he rose from underdog to Paladin and was tough against the rail, that would have ended the run for many. Also have hopes for Commandment who was bumped by Ocelli ridden by Gafflione half way down the final stretch.
Gotcha, well he had enough points to not have to be all jacked up, for the LD, and to be peaking come Derby time, which played out well …I think there were four very good horses, from last year’s crop, I don’t see that yet this year….SOMEONE HAS to win the big races, does not mean they compare favorably, with last year, or the year before…I think the year before was really strong …we will be able to judge accordingly, as the last year top four are still running …I agree about Renegade being #1 right now, among this current crop…
Right on, Mathew…it should be hard! It’s what makes it special. If they space the races further apart it will never be the same as what Sec’t, Seattle Slew, Affirmed etc accomplished…good luck in the Preakness.
Maybe Golden Tempo will go for the “Triple Tens”–Derby, Belmont at Saratoga, Travers–like Sovereignty did last year.
Hey, is the Belmont at Saratoga the “Beltoga” or the “Saramont”?
Meanwhile the Preakness looks for the next Rombauer, Early Voting, or Cloud Computing, unless Crude Velocity proves to be something special.
Excellent work Steve, makes me feel like a dummy for not playing this horse!
There is a racetrack saying. It takes a horse to make a person feel like an ass.
A lot of comments agree that “it’s all about the horse” when deciding whether to skip the Preakness. I believe it’s about the reputation of the horse in establishing stud value. If the horse is racing sound, i doubt it’s more dangerous to race him than to work him a couple times. Risk aversion has replaced sportsmanship. And when a horse does struggle at stud these same noble owners have no problem shipping them to Korea, Turkey, or South America for the best price they can get and washing their hands of them.
EXACTLY. You NAILED it Todd👏
Your not the only one who feels like this, I’m glad I’m 70 years old. I got to witness sportsman owners run their horses and we came out to see them!
Is your opinion based on being a fan, or based on being a horse owner? As fans, we all want to see these magnificent creatures race for our entertainment.
I highly doubt you would have the same opinion if you owned one similar the top two in the KD.
That’s where you are WRONG!
Who CARES about the horses who have to run nonstop and frequently….because they weren’t kentucky derby horses?
If i were an owner, i would make sure my horses were taken care of when their careers were over. Look at Three Technique. 9 year old multiple stakes winner whose owners professed to love him, but dropped him into a claimer and he’s now in free fall. Hope they catch him. Look at many of Mike Maker’s very successful claims who are dropped to the bottom when they start to fade. Those are not isolated stories. Race them, but take care of them when they can’t do it anymore. The Triple Crown isn’t that important to me, but yes, sound derby winners should run in the Preakness.
Its not at all about the horse. Its about the people. Racing has become conservative. If you decide not ro run back in 2 weeks just give a reason based on how he physically and mentally came out of the Derby.
Something to take into consideration IMHO is that Golden Tempo has a cracked heels issue.
If the owners are wanting to race and win going forward no doubt that was taken into consideration.
Golden Tempo is a closer us he not? The Preakness is not really in his wheelhouse in my opinion.
Looking so far to be a full field for the Preakness. That I think is encouraging.
Personally what I would like to see is more colts racing past 3 and not shuttled off th the breeding shed before we get a chance to really know them. I love thee older guys like Skippy and White Abarrio!
Steve — this is just a wonderful piece of writing and gets at the heart of the Derby for those who love it and seek the winners circle. It also brings back fond memories of my dad who knew and spoke reverently of Bull Hancock and Dinny Phipps as the epitome of true horsemen. Thank you.
Thank you very much Harry. I appreciate it.
The Texas auto dealer who pin hooked the $10.5 million Flightline colt…..paid $575k for him….he put a reserve clause, on him for $2 million, which he thought was high…..(!!!!)…..
Despite tracks closing …despite the concerns, over SoCal and Florida…..top yearling prices are going through the roof!..
Bitter much?
And yet you’re here,Bonnie.
Normal person? How would you know?
In the future please express your hatred and disdain for people you detest in a more classier manner. Im sure you can come up with better nouns than a gutteral one like that. Thanks.
Steve Haskin, you did it again. You carried your fans and readers through another exciting ride on the Derby Trail. You never cease to amaze me with your thorough research and colorful command of verse to weave the stories that you share with us week to week. You’ve amused and enlightened this reader every time I sat down with my morning coffee to read your new weekly column. Great stuff, my friend.
I keyed Danon Bourbon in my $1 trifecta and superfecta tickets and had a saver $10 win bet on my longshot, Golden Tempo. I made these wagers largely because of your opinion. Even though I came out at a loss overall, I certainly got a good run for my money. Thank you, Steve.
BTW, I’ve noticed a lot of new faces on the Secretariat blog this year. This would suggest that your following appears to be growing. Word of your writing does get around. Glad to see it.
Thank you very much Dewey. Your words are greatly appreciated. Thank you. I still believe Danon Bourbon ran the best race. That was a terrific performance considering all the dirty work he did chasing those fast fractions.
Agreed. DB did himself proud with his run in the Derby. It’s said that Danon Bourbon might return for the BC Classic. Let’s hope so.
Great story Steve! It is crazy that Golden Tempo won this race with a Beyer of 95 and Ocelli was nearly the first Maiden to win this race and from the cursed 17 hole. Both him and Golden Tempo improved and most everyone else regressed due to the pace. What has happened to the jockeys who supposedly have that internal clock? The Ortiz brothers were the stand-out jockeys on Saturday, as they are most days. Mike Smith looked like he was riding at Los Al on a Saturday night and nearly sawed off everyone to his inside and causing Renegade to hit the fence as a consequence. I love the guy but that wasn’t a great ride, and I think he’s lost his clock as well. This horse, The Hell We Did, who ran second in the Lexington, has shipped to Laurel and had a nice work at 5 F. He is a half sibling to Senor Buscador. Maybe he isn’t fast enough and he doesn’t have any impact at Laurel, but I can see it later on. He is by Authentic.
Fabulous story
So wonderful. Thank you for the nostalgia and beautiful words. Wonderful article! I couldn’t wait for this to come out!
(Ps- I don’t think Blame won the BC classic 25 years ago)
Thanks. That was a typo. Should have been some 15 years ago. Its been fixed
Hi Steve
Thank you for providing an outstanding wrap up on this year’s Kentucky Derby. Your opening paragraph says it all. The Kentucky Derby journey had its share of ups and downs. Hats off to the connections that got their respective horses in the Derby starting gate. The Kentucky Derby itself seemed almost anticlimactic to end that journey.
That said, I’m not sure if you recall a comment that we exchanged ten years ago when you were still with Bloodhorse, relating to the passing of Dinny Phipps. Not knowing if you had heard the announcement of his passing, I posted a comment to you on the announcement. You replied, “The passing of an institution”. I never forgot that.
I’m very happy for the Phipps family to have one of their colts win the Kentucky Derby.
Prior to the Derby, we exchanged comments on the class and stamina reflected in Golden Tempo’s pedigree. Unfortunately, I didn’t follow through and bet Golden Tempo accordingly.
Bottom line, the Phipps family stable is back in the spotlight.
Thanks again, Steve, I’m looking forward to next year’s Derby trail.
Thanks Bill I remember that now. Looks like Daisy is proving it wasn’t the end.
Yes indeed, Steve, the Phipps legacy is far from over.
Not that you need any more ideas to share with us, but how about a discussion about the closers, ‘stone cold deep closers’, that has come into play with Golden Tempo’s victory? Of course the great Zenyatta comes to mind, but other greats who were closers, and the risks/rewards of a closer? Just a suggestion…….
Unfortunately most of the winning deep closers have been the recipients of brutal fractions resulting in a pace collapse.
Sigh…..well, Tempo’s my guy, win or lose. Thanks for the reply, tho not music to my ears.
Not knocking the horse. Hes the one who closed fastest of all and deserved to win. Remember he was my longshot pick. Im kocking the race scenario just as I would when you have a slow pace and the leaders run 1,2,3 . To me Danon Bourbon ran the best race and if the pace is 47 instead of 46 im confident he wins.
Thanks Steve—-appreciate your reply. Those deep closers who win, or come close to winning, sure provide thrills in a race!
My charge, Danon Bourbon, may have run the best race. All the speed was nowhere to be seen at the wire but this dude stuck around for a better-than-looks 5th. If he runs back in either the Preakness or Belmont, I’m coming right back with him.
Already went back to Japan
That’s a shame. I hope he tries the US again, then. He was easily good enough, race flow just didn’t go his way.
I read that he’ll be back for the Breeder’s Cup. Hope so.
I disagree. Not may…WAS.the best horse lol
I checked immediately to see if he was running in the Belmont. Bummer.
Everything about the Derby this year was special. Since the horse I supported was out of it (Paladin), I was free to simply enjoy the whole experience. Steve, you told the whole story so well, it’s almost like I had the video running in my head. And, as always, the historical perspective you provided was wonderful.
It was indeed wonderful to see those silks, among the few in racing that I can say that I recognize instinctually, closing so well, carried by a horse whose blood carries so very many generations of filly’s who carried those same silks to victories.
My hope is to see Golden Tempo really fulfill the hope. While always improbable, if he could pull off the next two, it would remind the world why the Triple Crown is run exactly as it is. If he could then retire to Claiborne Farm and succeed as a sire, it would revive so much history that is on the pages of all the books on my shelves that highlight the history of Thoroughbred racing in America (yes, that one especially).
It is asking a lot, but it can’t actually hurt to ask.
Thanks for the wonderful storytelling of the 152nd Derby. Also does anyone else feel that the trainer and owners may not want to run in all three TC races because of the different circumstances. Running at Laurel and Saratoga. 1 1/4 mile versus classic 1 1/2 in the Belmont Stakes. Still very happy for all connections.
I don’t think that the connections are concerned about the venue or temporary alteration with the Belmont distance, Marlaine. I have read reports where most trainers say that their horses need more than two or three weeks between the races to recuperate from the Derby. Go figure! They all look like they’re in good shape to me.
Everyone should read the Bill Finley Op/Ed about the CAWs on Derby Day on the Thoroughbred Daily News site.
I have been awaiting your post about the Derby. You, alone, would point out the historic connection between the Phipps family and Secretariat’s sire, Bold Ruler. What a blessing and a treat for Daisy Phipps to have bred Golden Tempo. Congratulations to Daisy Phipps and her relatives alive and passed on. I am sure that the late Ogden Phipps, Mrs. Gladys Mills Phipps, and Dinny Phipps have been drinking champagne up in heaven; and Penny Chenery and her father, Christopher Chenery have joined in the cellabration.
Every year there are plenty of Secretariat’s progeny running. However, it is really wonderful that Daisy is the great granddaughter of Ogden Phipps who had the infamous coin toss with Penny Chenery; Secretariat was the end result of that coin toss.
And Penny Chenery must be so pleased that a talented female trainer and knowledgeable female owner have at last won the Derby.
And congratulations to the connections to Curlin and the late Bernardini for the win in the Derby.
Thank you Steve !
I’m betting Chief Wallabee with both fists next out.
Absolutely…
So interesting and thorough, Steve. Thank you!
Not to take anything away from Golden Tempo but I thought Danon Bourban (terrible ride) and Renegade ran the best race. Might we see another Rich Strike career for Golden Tempo?
I sure hope he can be more! The one-and-doners make me very sad, and honestly, kind of nervous. What to do with a Derby winner who is underwhelming as a racehorse thereafter, or as a stallion after that? The stories of their whole lives can be uplifting, but incredibly dark happens, too.
Kind’ve pathetic his trainer is already saying “well we’ll see” 😒
Bonnie–It’s all about the horse and doing what’s best for him.
Terri, you’re kind’ve missing my point. Why are today’s ones who run in first leg of triple crown so incapable and fragile?
You only visit here to troll.
Exactly what she should say! Trolling?
Why do you think GT is underwhelming? I thiught it was one of the greatest derby wins going all the way back to Big Red, just saying. Did he not win the Kentucky Derby? Did he not beat Renegde, FA, Commandment and the other hot shots? He’s the best 3yo on the planet for the time being…just my opinion…
Exactly! GT ran courageous.
GOLDEN TEMPO ran past both of those horses from dead last…I think he ran the best race barnone!!! Danon Bourbon turned out ti be the speed if the speed but tired late….Renegadewas several lengtnhs in front of GT but couldn’t hold him off…DB and Ren ran well though.
Good points Dominic!
Speaking of Gold……Strike the Gold……I picked him….he was more obvious, than Golden Tempo….but he rarely won, if ever—after his Triple Crown, and it’s early, but I wonder….will Golden Tempo win a big race again? He got a pace collapse…like Sandman did ….what might he become? I think Renegade was unfortunate, he got mugged and lost five lengths, after the first 1/8 of a mile….Renegade will win major stakes ….maybe also Chief Wallabee, who appeared to have huge run, getting banged around …what might Golden Tempo become?..
Hopefully he’ll become a Preakness runner and winner.
Comparing him to Sandman, unbelievable. He’s the Kentucky Derby winner. It was a fast race, calling it a pace collapse means the front and near front runners ran too fast, or weren’t good enough, or both, they’re the ones who may not win again, except at shorter distances.
I compared HIS RACE to Sandman ‘s, and I stand by my opinion he benefitted from a total pace collapse….you SA d you think this year’s Derby one/two are as good as last year….I disagree with you, this is Horse Racing, where we all have our opinions, I think the past couple of years bred some very nice horses, I the honk 2026 has not—at least so far …
It wasn’t a total pace collapse, Danon Bourbon kept going. And I do think they’re as good as Sovereignty and Journalism were, in the Derby, I should qualify. Very similar race times, maybe the mud slowed them down last year, though the track was sealed. Hope they all meet up in a race. I like Renegade’s story. And yeah, we do all have opinions.
If it was a pace collapse for Sandman, wasn’t it also for Sovereignty? So, why not use his name instead of Sandman?
And when has a deep closer won that it wasn’t a pace collapse? Like I wrote, the front oriented runners have proven nothing, if it was a pace collapse, they gave no guage of how they’ll run, and how far, if they don’t get caught up in a too fast early pace.
Agree…theres fine line between pace meltdown and just not good enough…
❤️❤️❤️
Ok,Steve.Answer me this…why today’s horses are completely INCAPABLE of running the triple crown races (ALL THREE) ….something is F’d up with what is going on now! Be A real man like Afleet Alex,Smarty Jones ….Epicenter.
It’s not the Horses, It’s people!
So true
So …why are the “people” doing this Steve?
So,if this keeps happening Derek….people never choosing anymore to try running the triple crown …what’s the F’n point of any of it? More so called stallions are in No way needed….if that’s what these pathetic connections think is gonna be their way to suck something out of their property …so called stallions are a dime a dozen. You really think more horses being born is what’s gonna save anything?
Rome isn’t burning, Bonnie. Horses now are breed for speed, not durability.
Dah, they are no faster than they used to be.
Do you think horses are as durable as years ago? Can horses currently run as many times as John Henry? Yes or no?
Jeremy gave Afleet Alex the dumbest ride ever…in the derby. First of all,Alex still had lung infection …and,the fractions were off the charts! Plus Churchill has the longest stretch.
Bonnie, wasn’t he the gamest thing on four legs? Rose learned to listen to that amazing horse after Alex saved his life. If you want to talk revisionist history and might have beens, he should have been the 12th, in my book. RIP, Afleet Alex.
He CERTAINLY was Katy!!!!! I’ll NEVER stop Loving that unbelievable little Dude!
They are not incapable! They may choose not to run but they are prrfectly capable, just saying!
If they’re not Incapable….WTAF is wrong then? Anxiously awaiting your resin.
Sorry,Dominic my response got cut off earlier …kiddos of fam were calling,so abrupt stop on my typing.
I had a Future wager on Easy Goer in 1988 in Las Vegas he was a short Winter Book value that I never got to cash because of Sunday Silence. I bet a lot of Phipps/Shug horses for years till I hit Orb in 2013. Had $30 on him at The Wynn @ 200-1 that October he had only ran a maiden race at like 80-1 I believe. Anyway cashed for $6000. I really wasn’t that high on Golden Tempo I liked Incredibolt,Paladin,Renegade,Further Ado, Mesquite ( Cherie Devaux too ) I preached Dosage Index on here last 3 years & again this year & check the numbers they were spot on again a lot of the earlier trail horses all crashed & burned along the way & Future Exactas Pool exploded. after Ned Toffey was outed & same as Paladin later on. I couldn’t believe my eyes that So Happy was bet so heavily in Derby with an over the Moon 7.0 Dosage & Great White was a toss to if you subscribe to the gelding angle & he took action too. Danon Bourbon ran well but other foreign horses were tosses along with California didn’t like Emerging Market only 2 races angle either. Anyway if you handicap the Dosage Index the splits of :12’s & under :38 for last 3 Furlongs it yielded you the winner & also those directly behind him next 5/6 spots too.So Happy was the only 12/38 qualifier but not on Dosage finished 7th.I was very disappointed Further Ado or Renagade did not Win there were only a handful of runners from the very first Future Wager Pool left & not a lot from Pools 2 & 3 either. The Field larger of my bets with those 2 & Incredibolt were humongous Top/Bottom which Golden Tempo filled out for me. Then in Pool 4 he was an entrant & the rest was history as had him every Pool 4 & after that in Exactas worth a total of $11,763 $830/$3144/$6840 & only $950 because Renegade was so strong to the eye. Renegade would have been 16,500 had he won over Tempo & Further Ado was over 17k I knew only had to dodge a few bullets sometimes you get lucky & that’s 3 years in a row however Rich Strike knocked me out of an even bigger payday when it looked like I had the Future exacta in the bag that day too there are exceptions occasionally but even tho handicapping rules are changing old school keeps on paying me. And for the record my wagers placed thru Expressbet’s/Ist Bet were tax free no WG2 Tax Form did not lock up my account money received today. I look for Baffert to have a big chance next year with his stable moving to East Coast I’ll be ready 2 yr olds stretching their legs already….Anybody that stuck it out with Golden Tempo after that weird run testing out the Blinkers in Louisiana Derby & Jose’s wild handling of him all the way track down the stretch were rewarded with much be payouts had he ran straight that day. Blinkers 2nd time is always much better they figured it out in the 6 weeks leading up to the big race.
Steve amazing job as always your knowledge is 2nd to none. See you next year you can’t stop now it’s in your Breeding…..
Jerry my brother convinced me to put Sunday Silence over Easy Goer—and we both thought Easy Goer could be the best ever…there was talk…..but Pete told me Easy Goer was getting perfect trips, he wasn’t going to get a better trip, in The Derby…lIn..while Sunday Silence was blossoming—and The 1989 Derby caught a wet track..Easy’s “Kryptonite”…in their four meetings, on the track…the favorite lost all four …the ’89 Preakness being the greatest Horse Race of my lifetime, Day race rode PVal, ran him (and Sunday Silence) up on horse’s heels—but he didn’t open up, he waited, and PVal flies alongside, crowding him and Easy Goer, they couldn’t use right hand stick—but then Day inexplicably turns Easy’s head, to look at SS…..and they got beat four inches ..
That’s PVal…..(“Pat tried to screw me the whole way.”)…….(“Pat dropped his Bible at the 3/8 pole”…)…
I have probably written this in the comments before, but I had a black pony at the time of the 1989 Classics. I used to gallop her around our neighbor’s field pretending we were Pat Valenzuela and Sunday Silence, with a little Black Stallion and the Girl thrown in. That Preakness and the 1988 BC Distaff were the best two races I’ve ever watched, and the replays still give me chills. Jim McKay got just about all the answer they could put on ABC when he asked PVal who had it! Good times, noodle salad.
Katy, i’cve enjoyed your mentions of Jim McKay. Neither the olympics nor racing are the same without him. He made everything feel bigger. Jim was a treasure. He’d be real disappointed to see what’s become of the Preakness and Maryland racing.
I never did get my money out of Easy Goer. I bet him back in the Preakness he ran 2nd again & oassed on Belmont when he won. I flew to Gulfstream for the Breeders Cup events they were open only those 3 days. You didnt have Pick 3 & 4’s 5’s back then so I bet $150 exacta Easy Goer over Sunday Silence & $100 exacta Easy Goer over Blushing John. Yep Sunday Silence won again Pat Day should have been replaced after his to patient Ky Derby ride but Shug stuck with him. Orb got me my money back from Phipps/Janney group.
Thank you …….. so very much.
Thank you so much for your article on Golden Tempo before the race. Not only did he live up to expectations Golden Tempo out did them. So happy to see the first female trainer win the Kentucky Derby. Mr Haskin, I took your article to heart and studied the horse and had a fantastic win with many 3 horse exacta boxes paired with Renegrade and several other horses. Also a nice WPS bet too. So thank you for your insight about Golden Tempo! You made my year!
Steve, Your work on this years Derby and in previous years is like a mural that you’ve painted in our minds. When I read your posts I read it slow to take in every word and nuance like a child’s bedtime story being read to me. I have found through each Derby, whether I won, lost or broke even that in the end a great story has has revealed itself. Saturday in that last 1/8 I found myself switching camps, just like Baffert did with Zenyatta’s Breeders Cup win routing for her down the stretch! The story is now History! Kudos to all, they deserve it! There is something special with this one. Dreams do come true! Now on to the Preakness. HI HO LAUREL, that just doesn’t sound right does it. Thanks Steve, The Derby is the Sweetest Two Minutes in Sport but you’ve added the spice of life!
Thank you so much Derek. I really Appreciate it
Thank you for this perfect wrap-up, Steve. I especially love the final paragraph. On the race replay, I was thinking, “Where’s Golden Tempo?” And then I remembered–Phipps–black silks, cherry red cap–and I spotted him right away. Every time I’ve watched the replay since then, that cap has just shone out like a beacon.
Beautifully described. Thanks very much
What a brilliant article and perspective! It draws you into the world — both the horses and the humans — that it describes with a quality of writing and a perspective that other racehorse journalists and analysts can only seek to emulate. It places Golden Tempo in the long historical perspective of the Phipps family, which has made a mark for generations on racehorse breeding and racing.
Horse racing will need other forms of ownership, such as fractional ownership groups like MyRacehorse and Commonwealth, to grow and thrive, but it would never be what it is today without dedicated families like the Phipps’ and great writers and horse lovers like Steve Haskin.
Thank you Laura. I appreciate the kind words.
Cue up the orchestra——“Thanks for the memories”, Steve. What a memorable Derby year, and your insights, facts, wit & superb writing made it so enjoyable. You’re the superb writer of all turfdom!
Great conclusion to the 2026 Derby trail. I remember being happy for the Phipps family when Orb won. This one is that much sweeter with Golden Tempo wearing the famed black silks with cherry red cap. Thanks for all your hard work, Steve. Always a pleasure to read your columns – no matter how long they are. I hope that Golden Tempo will eventually reside in stall one at Claiborne. But lots more races to win before that.
Thats very kind of you Solo. Thank you!
Mr. Haskin, never read a story from you where you did a “rush attempt”. ALL your writing illustrates with great thought, knowledge down to every ounce of time and detail. You’re simply the best at what you do…..bar none!
That is very kind of you Mike. I really appreciate it. Thank you!
Always a pleasure reading your work.
Thank you for all your wonderful, researched and well thought out articles, Mr. Haskin! Kaitlin Benson said on the track feed in the paddock that Golden Tempo looked the absolute best and she was going to put money on him. She has quite the eye!
I just read on the internet that Golden Tempo earned a 95 BSF for his Derby win on Saturday. If that is true it would be a lower figure than California Chrome’s 97 BSF in 2014. I had projected Golden Tempo for around a 92 BSF. I wasn’t so far off. I didn’t anticipate such a hot pace that would burn out all the fast horses. Those “fast horses” could also be better at shorter distances.
If Danon Bourbon comes back for the Belmont, I would give him a real hard look. DB was on the pace and got passed late by “The Chief” for 4th. DB ran a really good race.
I in no way want to demean Golden Tempo’s victory. Horse and jockey handled what was thrown at them and got to the wire first. Got the job done! Bravo.
I know that the BSFs are not the preferred speed figures of this site. But they are still interesting. I had Renegade projected for around a 102 BSF. He may have backed up a bit. Unless he ran into trouble. Not sure which way he will go in the Belmont.
As usual, no offense. If the numbers hold up, at least it will get California Chrome off the hook.
What am I puzzled by is the “hot pace.” The pace wasn’t that fast…46.4 and 1:10.9 is not a hot pace…in 2018 Justify went 45.7 and 1:11.0 and won decisively. In 2020 Authentic went 46.4 and 110.2 and also won decisively. The half went a full second faster when Rich Strike won in 2022. But in this race the speed collapsed like they’d gone 45 and 1:09, which set up the race for a mediocre closer. Is it possible the timer was off? Doesn’t make any sense.
Thanks for info… I think perhaps it was a much slower crop this year than the average overall….”mediocre closer” is not Golden Tempo…Some of us had Golden Tempo to begin with….certainly I wouldnt bet a “mediocre closer”… his pedigree, his patient trainer, best jockey on board etc etc….he certainly wasn’t a fluke to those of us who bet him….I was right about Renegade, the 1 hole cost him, although I used him a lot fir 2nd n 3rd…didnt use Commandment or So Happy…Cherie DeVaux might have thrown some people off as her surname is neither B a ff ert nor Pletcher….great patient trainer who’s come a long way in a short time….bettors should not continue to disregard GT!
Again, great info…good luck in the preakness!
Amazingly well researched as usual. A great read. Thanks!
Enjoyed the back story, Steve, thank you. I miss the days when Jim McKay would tell us all about the horses running later on Derby day. I can’t find that content online, either, except here.
Thank you! No one on the telecast does what Jim did. They focus on the obvious stories, which is OK, but they really dont delve into the other stories. I’m guessing they feel the public is only interested in the favorites and the obvious stories that most people have read about. Maybe thats true with today’s viewers. But back then Jim made everyone root for the horses they normally wouldnt root for.
Which is a gift you share with him.
fuzzi, I am so glad that Jim McKay is gone but not forgotten. There are two voices from the sportscasts of my childhood that immediately trigger chest tightening nostalgia if I hear them. Jim McKay is the first, and Skip Caray (longtime Braves announcer) is the other.
Agreed on McKay, what a professional he was.
There were some other analysts who showed us the horses, not just what some celebrity was wearing. Do you remember Charlsie Cantey, and Jack Whitaker?
Even Howard Cosell put the spotlight on the horses. I’ve rewatched the 1980 KD many times, and recall Eddie Arcaro adding good analysis.
Interesting read as always Steve loved all your articles on this years Derby.
Wonderful Derby and great stories. One question – I’m curious why the horse didn’t go to Shug. Is it because of the partnership? Saw him interviewed at Aqueduct yesterday. He was asked about the Derby and he said “Well I trained the dam”. Any insight Steve?
That is kinda dicey and not my place to go there. That story is for Shug’s autobiography..
Steve- I cannot say thank you enough for really helping me become a huge race fan, with reading so many of the back stories, details, your personal history and friendships with the horses, trainers, owners, etc. Thank you for all the time and the stories and for making it so much more than betting and winning, at least for someone like me, that is a relatively newcomer to horseracing. I find myself googling more and more details about the stories you touch on just to continue to learn more.
Thank you again Steve.
Ryan
I cant tell you how much that means to me Ryan. Thank you so much!
Betting the KDFW is very fun because you know you will likely get a Much bigger price months out than you will on Derby Day. The problem is getting your horse into the gate healthy so many months out. It’s the risk you take by making that bet. I read that Chad Brown can’t help to wonder what Paladin would have done if he wasn’t injured and ran in the Derby. He stated that Paladin had beaten Golden Tempo and Renegade previously and he believed the Derby would have really set up for him . I was dissapointed when Paladin scratched before the Bluegrass because of his injury. Had he ran and won the Derby I would have hit my 22-1 KDFW win bet as well as hit a hefty EX payout because GT was an all others horse from KDFW2. I will always play the KDFW bets because I have won before With big odds on California Chrome and with Always Dreaming. If your horse makes the gate, you have a chance. Ocelli finishing 3rd as a maiden killed most TRI tickets. You never know.
I hear ya, Joe. We took similar trips on this year’s Derby trail. I have yet to cash a KDFW but, despite the risks, find the venture titillating with potential rewards.
What really gnaws at my stomach this year is that I came so close to cashing my biggest ticket ever. I played trifectas and superfectas using Danon Bourbon, Chief Wallabee, Renegade and Golden Tempo and a maiden named Ocelli shows up to blow me up out of the water??? Talk about feeling like a tanker in the Gulf of Hormuz! Ughh! The racing gods doth not look favorably upon me.
Likewise, I bemoaned the fact that Paladin had an ill-timed injury as I’ve liked him since his Remsen win. The loss that really bothered me, though, was Class President. I was really becoming attached to him and cashed in when he won the Rebel. I hope both Paladin and Class President return to the races as we need their spark to energize the competition this season.
Good luck, down the road, Joe. We may not win the war, but as long as we’re able to win a few battles, it will make it all worthwhile. Such a great sport, especially with Steve adding adding all his vivid colors to the canvas.
Edit: Drop the hiccup on “adding”.
I feel your pain, Dewey.
I made a few dollars on the derby…had the exacta for a buck and the oaks/derby double for a buck, but like you got burned by the maiden…all i needed was for the Chief to get up for 3rd….cried myself o sleep Sat night and woke up ready for the Preakness…good luck in the Preakness!
Thanks, Dominic! Ocelli caused widespread tearing up across countless thousands of punters. He owes us big time. Forgot to mention, I did have a saver $10 win bet on Golden Tempo. My total loss for the Derby was $149 (including FWs).
Good luck to you in the Preakness also, Dominic. It should be an interesting race to handicap. I’m not giving up on Iron Honor. He’s well bred and lightly raced. If not now, watch out later as he matures.
You definitely were very close Dewey. Agree that not too many people had the TRI because of Ocelli. Good luck to you also on future betting Dewey.
Such a great,almost biographical story…with dates of events that seem star crossed!!
Again,for me ..a movie in my mind!!
Certainly don’t know very much about the process of getting there… but the Derby is so special…it draws me in and means a lot to see the finale!!
One thing I have seen on Facebook.. a picture of Jose Ortiz winning a race on Carrumba… in 2016…Golden Tempo’s dam… how appropriate!!
( hope it’s true)
Thank you so much Pat. That is correct and has been added to the story.
Awesome finish to the Derby Dozen.
Can’t wait for next Year.
However, a lot of racing still to come. I hope he tries for the TC.
Thank you for still writing Steve!
Learning about a stable’s history and the horses’ pedigrees enriches the experience of watching them run. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and expertise.
Great write-up and much I didn’t know about the looong wait for victory. Thank you for bringing their joy – and contributions to racing history – to life!
Steve
Thank you for the smooth road to the Derby! I am glad to be able to read this story . You know how to hold your readers minds in the moment. Thank you for sharing.
I made my bets and picked up Golden Tempo across the board and the exacta ( Thanks for Renegade ) and Ocelli for 3rd . Ocelli was a future bet in pool 6 . I picked Renegade after you reminding me that he was ranked higher earlier on the list . Also picked him because both Renegade and Golden Tempo had foot issues and ridden by the Brothers.
Again Thank you for the ride !
Steve Haskin-
Hello, Steve. Exciting Kentucky Derby May 2. Watched the reply. Focused on Danon Bourbon. Was horse wearing blinkers? Looked like he was. But could not tell for sure.
If he did wear blinkers Sat, do you know if he wore blinkers in any previous 3 races?
Danon looked pretty keen to run early.
Good coverage of KD. Nice race review.
7.5 Furlongs
He did. Black and hard to see.
Thank you for the race info. Do you happen to know if Danon wore blinkers in any of previous races ?
Beautiful back story on the connections that led to Golden Tempo’s triumph on Saturday. I feel as though your were reciting my own history in horse racing with this column, Steve. The first Derby I ever watched was in 1965 (I clearly remember thinking Dapper Dan had won at the finish), and the next year was the year horse racing became a big part of my world. The Phipps horses and cherry and black silks — once the colors of 19th-century horse racing titan Pierre Lorillard — have always my favorites. So glad that Daisy and her brother are continuing a tradition that goes back to Gladys Mills Phipps in the 1920s. They richly deserve this Kentucky Derby victory. And as Katy said below, your work on this year’s Derby trail has been priceless.
Steve, this is 2 consecutive Derby winners for Bernardini as a BMS. This year he’s also got Sovereignty & Magnitude
How historic is this? Most only care about the sire, but he’s leaving a remarkable legacy
I know we all were disappointed that he wasn’t raced at 4, but that was one additional foal crop for his longterm legacy. I’d love to see the numbers on that first crop as far as their ability to win, produce winners, or even their daughters who produced winners! Maybe I’ll get to it.
Great column Steve. I love the way you give us the history of the horse and weave back to the present. I have always enjoyed reading everything you write.
Thanks so much Suzie.
The Derby gods favored the combination of Phipps family tradition, Devaux’s historic breakthrough, and a Derby winner for Curlin this year.
Thanks for another great year of analysis, sir.
Just 6 horses entered for The Peter Pan. The traditional prep for the Belmont.
Frankly, I don’t like the chances of any of them to win the Belmont at Saratoga.
No offense.
It’s a shame that Silent Tactic had to scratch from the race. He also would have benefitted from the hot pace and would likely to have been right there with his late running buddies. I think that Silent Tactic could have finished ahead of Ocelli. Maybe.
Congratulations to Golden Tempo and all his connections. Especially Cherie Devaux becoming the first female trainer to win the Derby and Jose Ortiz with his masterfully timed late run.
Yes, I remember those silks and that cap well. Good for them.
I could not be happier with the result. I have always loved the Phipps families, and the history of them. Especially the mares. And Carrumba was a real favorite when she was racing. CARRUMMMMBA!!! Hoping this boy ends up back at Claiborne, but not for a few years. And Cherie is not only a phenomenal trainer, but such a great person to have representing horse racing.
Great writing, as always Steve. Thank you!!!
I noted that more than any year I could remember ..it seemed there were so many prep races won by closers…and the one race where closers do well is The Derby…even the maiden was right there…if Bob is careful…if he takes his time with his little son of Beau Liam..he might have a big year….he might be the only truly quality three year old with speed …
As a horse racing child, those colors meant the world to me, and always dreamed that I would have horses which I did, but it started looking at Buckpasser and those silks and the Phipps family 🩷
Thank you for this trip down memory lane. I remember the 1965 Derby; I was such a fan of Bold Lad, who would become of those Bold Ruler offspring who couldn’t win past a mile. He did have a good 4 year old season until he was injured in the Suburban Handicap and then retired. I’m off the main subject, which is enjoying Golden Tempo’s Derby victory. It was an exciting race and I’m looking forward to, or rather hoping to, seeing him run in the 3 year old classics coming up. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and his history.
I too loved Bold Lad. He’s pretty much forgotten now, but I still consider him one of the best two-year-olds I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, he was sent abroad for most of his stud career, and his name rarely shows up in pedigrees, but he had wonderful bloodlines to pass on.
Wonderful read! What a great blend of celebrating history being newly made blended with the long history the Phipps have in racing; thank you for weaving those two threads together.
Thank you Nicole.
I never feel like the Derby season is truly complete until your post-Derby article about the winner and his story. Even in the years when I’ve been initially disappointed in the result of the race, by the time I get to the end of your article, I find myself smiling and genuinely pleased for the winner. This year was certainly no exception! I very much enjoyed reading this lovely piece about the Phipps family and how Golden Tempo finally got it done for them!
Thanks very much Liz.
Perfect, Steve. This wrap-up is the cherry red cap on the black silks. Thanks for everything this winter and spring. You are priceless.
Lol. I love that. Thank you Katy.
A great wrap up to an incredible Kentucky Derby season ! Thanks so much Steve for all you do 🙏🏻🐎
Appreciate it Nick. Thank you.