Trainer Cherie DeVaux, who made history by becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, is weighing the possibility of entering Golden Tempo in the upcoming Preakness Stakes. The colt clinched the 152nd running of the Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday with a stunning rally from last place to win by a neck as a 23-1 long shot.

Shortly after the victory, DeVaux received an official invitation from the Preakness organizers to bring Golden Tempo to Maryland for the race’s middle jewel, which will be held on May 16 at Laurel Park. Traditionally run at Pimlico Race Course, the Preakness is being temporarily relocated due to renovations. The event will cover a slightly shorter distance of 1 3/16 miles and is expected to feature a smaller field than usual.

DeVaux emphasized that Golden Tempo’s participation depends on the horse’s health and readiness following the demanding Derby effort. “As long as he’s in tip-top shape, we’ll talk about it,” she said after transporting Golden Tempo to Keeneland in Lexington on Sunday. “It is on the table, but it’s really up to him.”

The decision comes amid the well-known challenge of preparing horses for the quick two-week turnaround between the Derby and Preakness. Some contenders opt to bypass the Derby to focus on the Preakness, but many face a tough schedule if running both.

Other Derby frontrunners provided updates on their plans. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher reported that Renegade, who finished second, has recovered well despite the setback and will be relocated to Saratoga, New York, to prepare for the Belmont Stakes next month. Whit Beckman, responsible for third-place finisher Ocello, noted the horse is “doing fine” but did not comment on Preakness intentions. Meanwhile, trainer Bill Mott confirmed that Chief Wallabee, who finished fourth, will not compete in Maryland, with attention instead focused on the Belmont Stakes. “Nobody talks about the Preakness,” Mott said, citing owner Kay Kay Ball’s satisfaction with the horse’s recent performance.

Golden Tempo’s victory marked his third win in five career races, having placed third in his two losses. The colt earned $3.1 million from the Derby, further solidifying his rising profile. Jockey Jose Ortiz guided him through a demanding race, navigating traffic and surging down the stretch to secure the win in a finish where the top three horses were separated by just one length.

On Sunday, Golden Tempo appeared relaxed in his stall, occasionally nibbling on feed as DeVaux managed the whirlwind aftermath of the Derby. She acknowledged the numerous congratulatory messages and media obligations but stressed that the priority remains the horse’s well-being and long-term career. “There is a lot of racing in him,” she stated. “We want to do what’s best for the horse.”

DeVaux and her team are expected to deliberate on Golden Tempo’s next move over the coming days as they monitor his recovery and readiness to make another Triple Crown bid.