Golden Tempo silenced any lingering doubts about his Kentucky Derby triumph with another authoritative display in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes. The son of Curlin stamped his class once again, powering clear to beat Commandment by over a length. While many expected Renegade to overturn the Derby form after his troubled passage at Churchill Downs, he failed to fire. Jockey Jose Ortiz delivered a polished ride, giving trainer Cherie Devaux a memorable Belmont success.

Golden Tempo proved that his Kentucky Derby victory was no flash in the pan as the son of Curlin once again demonstrated his superiority with a decisive victory in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes. Settled comfortably by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo asserted his authority when it mattered most and strode clear to score by more than a length over Commandment.

The spotlight before the race had largely been on Renegade, who was strongly fancied to reverse the narrow neck defeat suffered in the Derby after encountering traffic problems in the straight. However, the much-hyped rematch never materialised as Renegade failed to produce his best and finished well down the field.

Jose Ortiz rode with confidence and precision, while the victory provided trainer Cherie Devaux with one of the biggest triumphs of her career. The performance confirmed Golden Tempo as the leading three-year-old of his generation.

The only missing piece in the colt's glittering résumé is the Triple Crown. Golden Tempo bypassed the Preakness Stakes after his Derby success, thereby surrendering any chance of sweeping America's coveted three-race series. Still, on Belmont Stakes day, that omission hardly mattered as Golden Tempo once again left his rivals chasing shadows.