Golden Tempo's electrifying last-to-first surge at the 152nd Kentucky Derby has the horse racing world buzzing. The question on everyone's lips: Will history-making trainer Cherie DeVaux send the talented three-year-old colt to Maryland for the 151st Preakness Stakes?

In recent years, three of the last five Derby winners have skipped the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans," citing the grueling two-week turnaround as a key factor. But with a potential Triple Crown on the line, all eyes are on DeVaux and Golden Tempo's ownership group as they weigh their next move.

After becoming the first female trainer to capture the Kentucky Derby, DeVaux remains measured. Speaking to media outside her Keeneland barn on Tuesday, she emphasized patience. "We're going to look and see how much energy he has when he's on track, see how he's moving, see his attitude," she said. "Other people's opinions are not part of the conversation. I appreciate that there is history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate that everyone's excited about it; however, the horse comes first."

History shows that since 1875—in years when the Derby was run before the Preakness—54 Derby winners have opted out of the second jewel. The trend has accelerated recently: 2025 champion Sovereignty skipped Pimlico, making it the fourth Derby winner in seven years to pass on the Preakness. Even Mandaloun, officially declared the 2021 winner after Medina Spirit's disqualification, didn't race at Pimlico that year.

The last horse to complete the elusive Triple Crown was Bob Baffert's Justify in 2018. Before him, legends like Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978) etched their names in history. Could Golden Tempo join that elite club? For now, all signs point to a careful, horse-first approach as the racing world waits for DeVaux's call.