When a horse captures the Kentucky Derby, the natural next question is usually about the Preakness Stakes—the second jewel of the Triple Crown. But as last year proved, even a Derby winner isn't guaranteed to run at Pimlico. Sovereignty famously skipped the Preakness after his 2025 Derby victory, a move that sparked plenty of debate among racing fans and left many wondering if the trend might continue.

Now, all eyes are on Golden Tempo, the 2026 Kentucky Derby champion. Will this talented thoroughbred take a shot at the Triple Crown, or will his connections opt for a more cautious path? Owner Daisy Phipps Pulito isn't making any promises just yet. In a recent statement, she said the team plans to sit down with trainer Cherie DeVaux and weigh all options before making a final call.

For fans of the sport, this uncertainty adds an extra layer of drama to an already thrilling season. The Preakness has long been a proving ground for Derby winners, but with modern training priorities shifting toward long-term horse health, skipping the race is no longer unthinkable. Whether Golden Tempo runs or rests, one thing is clear: the conversation around Triple Crown contenders is more dynamic than ever.