Miss Temple City prevails in Ladies Turf (G3)

Temple City’s multiple Grade 1 winner Miss Temple City got her first graded stakes win of 2017 on Saturday with gutsy neck victory in the $350,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3).

The classy five-year-old mare has now won $1,677,868 and is the leading lifetime earner for her sire, who is also responsible for Grade 1 winner Jicamon and Grade 2 winner Bolo during 2017.

Miss Temple City got a strong challenge from Zipessa in Saturday’s one-mile contest, but ultimately out-classing the early pacesetter under a heady ride from Hall of Famer Edgar Prado (VIDEO).

“She settled off the pace nice and relaxed, and when I asked her, she gave me that kick,” said Prado. “When I turned her loose, she went by that horse easy and she thought it was all over.”

Miss Temple City’s win added to a sparkling carrer that includes wins over males in both the Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) and Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), and against her own sex in the Martiarch S. (G1).

“I’m always nervous when I run her,” said trainer Graham Motion. “Obviously I’m very attached to her and just want to see her run well. [S]he’s the best filly I ever trained. There’s a lot more riding on it, and I’m just glad it worked out.”

Motion said Miss Temple City will make her next start back at Keeneland in either the First Lady S. (G1) against her own sex or a repeat attempt at the Shadwell Turf Mile.