Golden Tempo Dominated the Derby, So Why Is He a 9-2 Underdog at Belmont?!

Alright, Emerald City, listen up! This Saturday, get ready for some serious drama on the track because the Belmont Stakes are going down, and you know we're here for all the action. We've got the Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, stepping back into the spotlight for the final leg of the Triple Crown, but get this, the odds makers are out of their minds. He's coming off an epic Derby win, yet he's somehow *not* the favorite for the Belmont. What gives?!

Golden Tempo's Big Problem: Where's the Pace?

Remember that insane Derby comeback? Golden Tempo rallied from dead last with half a mile to go, Jose Ortiz absolutely flying on him, to beat Renegade by a neck in a finish that had us screaming at the TV. It was pure magic! His trainer, Cherie DeVaux, made history on May 2 as the first female trainer to win the Run for the Roses, and she wisely skipped the Preakness to keep Golden Tempo fresh for this race. But here's the catch for Saturday: the Belmont field is way smaller than the Derby's 18 horses, and DeVaux is worried about the lack of early speed. That's a huge issue for Golden Tempo's closing style. DeVaux herself said, "We just have to hope that a pace materializes with his running style. If that does not happen, Jose is going to have to come up with ‘Plan B' to where he just doesn't give himself so much to do in the later stages of the race. I think Jose can either get him closer earlier, or he needs to start his run earlier, and that sustained run also is not ideal." He drew the outside gate, and still, he's sitting at 9-2 odds.

Renegade's Revenge Mission & The Challengers

So who *is* the favorite? That would be Renegade, at 2-1 odds, from five-time Belmont winner-seeking trainer Todd Pletcher. Renegade was the horse Golden Tempo edged out in Louisville, and Pletcher is not shy about wanting payback. He even said, "That's what you hope for in these Triple Crown races, a chance to, hopefully, turn the tables." His colt apparently got "roughed up" at the start of the Derby, so a smaller field could definitely play to his advantage. Renegade drew the fourth post, with Irad Ortiz Jr., Jose's brother, back in the saddle. Pletcher isn't just bringing one, he's also got Powershift at 12-1, breaking from the second gate. Keep an eye on Chief Wallabee, too, at 3-1. Trainer Bill Mott is looking for his second straight Belmont win, and this colt ran fourth in the Derby after getting blinkers for the first time. Mott thinks "it seems to keep him a little more focused." Commandment (6-1) and Emerging Market (6-1) are also in the mix, both from the Derby middle-of-the-pack finishers. Fun fact: this year's race is a shorter 1 1/4 miles instead of the traditional 1 1/2, since it's at Saratoga Race Course while Belmont Park gets a massive $550 million facelift. So, this Saturday, it's all about revenge and overcoming the odds. Can Jose Ortiz and Golden Tempo pull off a 'Plan B' masterpiece, or will Renegade turn the tables? We're on the edge of our seats, ready to see this play out!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.