Temple takes $200,000 Mac Diarmida S. (G2) for first graded victory

Temple turned in the best race of his career in Saturday’s $200,000 Mac Diarmida S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park, getting an ideal trip to give the 6-year-old son of Temple City his first graded victory and second lifetime stakes win.

The turf marathon specialist has placed in six additional stakes, including the Jan. 29 W. L. McKnight S. (G3) over the same Gulfstream surface, when he came from last to be second after a less-than-perfect trip.

Saturday’s “about” 1 3/8-mile contest set up much better for Temple and rider Jose Ortiz, who put his mount into the race right away, sitting just a couple lengths off the pace set by Safe Conduct. Temple held his spot in the three-path for the first mile, when Safe Conduct gave way. Tide of the Sea took over, but Temple quickly went by him with three furlongs to go.

Full of run in the stretch, Temple spurted clear and easily held off Shamrocket to win by about 1 ½-lengths and earn a lifetime-best Beyer Speed Figure of 100.

“It went great,” said Ortiz. “We were clear on the first turn and I was able to gather him up. He was very relaxed the whole time. I had a good rhythm with him the whole way around there. At the three-eighths pole, I put him in the clear and he was there for me.”

“He didn’t get away as good as he should have last time. He got a wide trip,” added trainer Mike Maker. “All that went to the wayside today and he got the job done. He’s as honest as the day is long. Very easy to train and shows up every race.”

Temple has compiled a record of 7-8-7 in 34 starts and has earned $598,563. He is owned by Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staduacher and was bred by Mark Toothaker and Dan White.

Temple is the 12^th lifetime graded stakes winner for Temple City, who has also accounted for John B. Connally Turf Cup (G3) winner Another Mystery and Marie Krantz S. winner Pass the Plate in 2022.