When Golden Tempo crossed the finish line at the Kentucky Derby, few saw it coming. With 23-1 odds, the longshot delivered a stunning upset that had the racing world buzzing. But just as quickly as the celebration began, a tough question emerged: Would this Derby champion chase the Triple Crown at the Preakness Stakes?

The answer, as it turns out, is no. Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness, and the reason comes down to one crucial factor: time.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes are separated by just two weeks—a famously tight turnaround that tests even the fittest thoroughbreds. While the Derby boasts a purse more than double that of the Preakness and carries unmatched prestige, the health of the horse must come first. Trainer Cherie DeVaux made the call to sit this one out, prioritizing Golden Tempo’s well-being over a shot at history.

"In my career, I have never started a horse back on that short of rest," DeVaux told The Athletic's Teresa Genaro. "Golden Tempo would have had to be doing much better, basically coming out of the race of his life."

This decision isn't unprecedented. In 1959, Derby winner Tomy Lee also skipped the Preakness due to the tight schedule. And in recent years, more trainers have followed suit as veterinary oversight has become stricter. "The pendulum was all the way one way, and we’ve swung the complete opposite," DeVaux noted, explaining how modern health standards are reshaping Triple Crown strategies.

So while Golden Tempo won't be running at Pimlico this Saturday, his legacy is far from over. For fans and bettors alike, the question now shifts to what's next for this surprising champion—and whether the rest of the field can match his Derby magic.