Golden Tempo and Mesquite Finish 1-2 for DeVaux in Lecomte
Trainer Cherie DeVaux expressed her satisfaction with her stable's performance in the recent Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks preparations. With three and a half months until the big races, DeVaux's two lightly raced 3-year-old colts, Golden Tempo and Mesquite, showcased their potential in the $250,000 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Golden Tempo, who broke slowly, displayed a patient ride from Jose Ortiz, allowing him to save ground and make a last-to-first rally. Mesquite, on the other hand, raced around a wider path under Flavien Prat, finishing three-quarters of a length behind Golden Tempo.
The Lecomte Stakes, a domestic prep race for 3-year-olds, offers 42 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby, distributed on a 20-10-6-4-2 basis to the top five finishers. Golden Tempo's victory earned him 20 qualifying points, placing him second on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard behind early favorite Ted Noffey. DeVaux also had a filly, Atropa, run third in the Road to the Kentucky Oaks prep, the Silverbulletday Stakes.
Golden Tempo, a bay homebred son of Curlin, is the second starter and first winner for Carrumba, a daughter of Bernardini. Curlin stands for $225,000 at Hill 'n' Dale Farms near Paris, Kentucky. DeVaux's stable's success in the Lecomte Stakes highlights the potential of her equine talent, leaving her confident in her contenders' chances for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
