Golden Tempo defied the critics again, rallying from the rear of the field and outstaying Commandment inside the final furlong to win by 1 1/4 lengths under Jose Ortiz.

The Belmont, which will return to its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance at Belmont Park next year, attracted a field of nine.

History was made on the first Saturday in May when Golden Tempo stormed down the Churchill Downs homestretch to win the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1).

Each "Between-The-Ears" snapshot is designed to give you a feel for the horse behind the numbers, but beneath the surface, something else is shaping the outcome.

***Updated with post positions, morning-line odds, and scratches

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 6 closed with runaway Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Renegade the clear 4-1 favorite among 40 betting interests.

Renegade offered an eye-catching late run to dominate the Arkansas Derby, confirming himself as a major win contender for the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Todd Pletcher might be in line to sweep this week's two major domestic Kentucky Derby (G1) preps.

The Todd Pletcher blueblood scored an overdue first victory in the manner of a proper Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.

Talkin enters the $250,000 Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday with the benefit of having faced some of the better colts of his generation.