Ocelli Gets Real Preakness Hope as Golden Tempo Begins Critical Recovery Test

The Preakness Stakes field is coming into focus with less than two weeks until the 1 3/16-mile race at Laurel Park, and some fascinating storylines are developing around the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

Trainer Whit Beckman did a complete about-face on Ocelli (31), upgrading the Derby third-place finisher from “extremely unlikely” to “maybe” for the Preakness. That's a significant shift for the seven-start maiden who shocked the racing world by finishing third at 70-1 odds in the Kentucky Derby.

What changed Beckman's mind? The horse's remarkable ability to recover. “If you look at it from a pace perspective, it could go as fast as the Derby,” Beckman explained. “He's doing great. That's the only reason I'm saying 'yeah, maybe.' The horse is doing fantastic. The horse is made of iron. Generally, I run a horse, they may not come to the front of their stall for a week. He was right there.”

That kind of resilience is exactly what you want to see from any runner considering back-to-back Grade 1 efforts. When pressed on potential downsides, Beckman was straightforward: “The only downside is if the horse is not ready to do it.” He also noted something worth considering from a historical perspective—the Preakness winner is typically a horse that ran in the Derby just two weeks prior, which works in Ocelli's favor given his recent competitive experience.

Also worth monitoring is Corona De Oro (29), who was the lone remaining also-eligible for the Derby. The horse never made it to the starting gate for the first jewel, but trainer Dallas Stewart is exploring the Preakness opportunity. “We're thinking about it. We just have to see,” Stewart said. “I'm going to work him again Saturday. He's a very nice horse.”

Meanwhile, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (32) continues his methodical recovery at Keeneland with a critical week ahead. After his third walk day on Tuesday, the reigning champion will return to light training Wednesday, beginning a gradual progression that trainer Cherie DeVaux will use to make her Preakness decision.

What's refreshing is DeVaux's stance on the Triple Crown narrative that inevitably surrounds the Derby winner. She didn't shy away from addressing the pressure: “I appreciate there's history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate everyone is excited about it. However, the horse comes first. So, any of that pressure is outside information from our decision-making.”

That's a clear message that Golden Tempo (32) will dictate the Preakness decision, not outside expectations. It's a principled approach that prioritizes equine welfare over historical achievement—a reminder that not every connection chases Triple Crown glory at the expense of their horse's long-term health.

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