In the high-stakes world of Thoroughbred racing, a single performance often changes the entire landscape of the Triple Crown trail. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Cherie DeVaux’s Golden Tempo did exactly that. By weaving through a 10-horse field to capture the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds, this son of Curlin secured 20 vital points and catapulted himself to the number two spot on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
US Racing handicappers analyzed the current market shift and the visual evidence from New Orleans. If you want to capitalize on the shifting Kentucky Derby odds, you must act now. This reset provides a unique window of value for "Smart Money" bettors who recognize that Golden Tempo is no longer just a "Rising Star"; he is a legitimate classic powerhouse in the making.
Golden Tempo entered the Lecomte with only one prior start, yet he handled the step up in class like a seasoned veteran. He broke a beat slow, settling at the back of the pack while Crown the Buckeye and Carson Street carved out honest fractions of :23.72 and :47.11. While the Fair Grounds main track favored speed for much of the day, Golden Tempo defied the bias. He launched a relentless rail rally, slicing through traffic with a level of professionalism rarely seen in January.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux admitted she felt a surge of concern when jockey Jose Ortiz chose the inside path. Young horses often "green up" or hesitate when asked to dive into tight quarters, but Golden Tempo pinned his ears and drove. He idled for a split second upon hitting the lead (a common behavioral trait in horses with immense talent), but he quickly refocused to turn away his stablemate, Mesquite. This victory proves that the horse possesses the mental fortitude required for a 20-horse field in May.
To understand the true ceiling of this colt, we must look at history. The Fair Grounds path to Louisville often produces elite talent, most notably Epicenter and the legendary Gun Runner. Visually, Golden Tempo shares striking similarities with these icons. Much like Epicenter in 2022, Golden Tempo demonstrates a "push-button" acceleration. When Ortiz asked for run at the three-eighths pole, the response was immediate and devastating. He didn't just win; he widened his margin on the gallop out, signaling that the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby will be his playground.
Furthermore, his pedigree connects him to the highest level of the sport. As a son of Curlin out of the Bernardini mare Carrumba, he carries the "Stamina Gene" that defined Gun Runner’s career. While Gun Runner took time to reach his physical peak, Golden Tempo appears more precocious. He possesses a larger frame and a more efficient stride than many of his peers. When you look at the Kentucky Derby contenders, few boast this combination of elite speed and bottomless endurance.
The betting markets are reacting fast. Before the Lecomte, Golden Tempo sat at 8-1 on the morning line, but he closed as the 2.70-1 favorite on track. In the upcoming Kentucky Derby futures Pool 4, which runs from February 13-15, we expect his price to plummet. Currently, he offers a "value gap" that will disappear the moment he enters the starting gate for the Risen Star Stakes.
Smart bettors utilize these early Kentucky Derby prep races to build a portfolio. By securing a position on Golden Tempo today, you insulate yourself against the inevitable "hype tax" that will hit the market in March. Whether you prefer win bets or building exacta structures, getting ahead of the curve is the only way to ensure a profitable spring.
The Fair Grounds home stretch is one of the most demanding in North America. It tests a horse's courage and its ability to maintain a straight course under pressure. We watched Golden Tempo closely as he passed the sixteenth pole. He did not drift or hang; instead, he maintained a perfectly straight line while flanked by rivals. This indicates a high level of physical balance. Many young horses tire and "lean" on their opponents in the final yards, but Golden Tempo finished with his head down and his stride fully extended.
This behavioral trait is a massive green flag for those looking to bet on Kentucky Derby online. At Churchill Downs, the noise and the crowd can rattle a nervous horse. Golden Tempo’s calm demeanor in the paddock and his professional conduct during the heat of battle suggest he will thrive under the Twin Spires. He isn't just fast; he is composed.
With 20 points in the bag, Golden Tempo only needs one more solid performance to clinch a spot in the starting gate. He currently trails only Ted Noffey (40 points) on the official Kentucky Derby leaderboard. This points cushion allows Cherie DeVaux to be selective with his training. She can focus on "peaking" him for the first Saturday in May rather than frantically chasing points in late April.
As we look toward the next round of stakes, the competition will stiffen. However, Golden Tempo has already defeated the Gun Runner Stakes winner, Chip Honcho, who finished fourth in the Lecomte. By establishing dominance over the local New Orleans contingent, Golden Tempo has cleared the first major hurdle of his career. The Kentucky Derby Odds will continue to fluctuate as other prep winners emerge, but Golden Tempo has established a "floor" of quality that few others can match.
If you are serious about Kentucky Derby betting, you need to watch the speed figures. While his Beyer Speed Figure of 81 was modest, the "visual" of the race was much faster. He overcame a speed-biased track and a slow start. Modern analytics suggest that horses who win while fighting a track bias often "explode" in their next start when they get a fair surface. This is the definition of a "hidden" value play.
We recommend watching his morning works leading up to the Risen Star. If he continues to show the same relaxed energy he displayed before the Lecomte, his stock will only rise. Don't wait for the mainstream media to catch up. The "Smart Money" is already moving toward the DeVaux barn.
Golden Tempo has officially transitioned from a promising maiden winner to the leader of the Fair Grounds circuit. His performance in the Lecomte provided everything a professional horseplayer looks for: tactical versatility, a pedigree for distance, and the heart to fight through traffic. The window to get high-value Kentucky Derby Odds is closing rapidly.
As the Triple Crown trail heats up, make sure you are positioned for success. Follow the data, trust the visual evidence, and back the horse that handled the Fair Grounds stretch like a future champion. The Derby is won by those who recognize greatness before the rest of the world sees it.
Take advantage of the current market reset and place your bets on the most exciting prospect of the season. With 20 points on the board and a Hall of Fame pedigree, Golden Tempo is the clear choice for anyone looking to win big this May.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
