It seems Mike Maker just didn't want to let go of Temple — and the gelding validated his trainer's faith on March 5 when he picked up a win in the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida at Gulfstream Park.
Maker had lost Temple to an $80,000 claim by Tom Morley for Flying P Stable in June 2021 at Belmont Park, and claimed the horse back for $80,000 in November 2021.
The Mac Diarmida was the first graded stakes win for 4-1 Temple, who was piloted in the race by Jose Ortiz. Ortiz and Temple were bumped out of the gate and tucked to the outside of what looked to be a relaxed early pace in the 1 3/8-mile contest, allowing long shots Safe Conduct and Tide of the Sea to control the field. On the backstretch, Ortiz and Temple moved into striking position, taking over the lead ahead of the turn with Shamrocket and Abaan in pursuit. Temple moved off from the field with Shamrocket on his heels, but held off his rival at the wire by one length.
Temple paid $10.40, $5.40, and $3.80. Favored Abaan was fourth.
According to the chart, no fractional times were available. The final time recorded for the race was hand-timed at 2:15.30.
Shamrocket was second, followed by Maker-trained Media Blitz.
Temple is owned by Paradise Farms and David Staudacher. He was second in the G3 William McKnight in his last out on Jan. 29. He is the son of Temple City and Quiet American mare Desant, and was bred in Kentucky by Mark Toothaker and Dan White. Temple was a $19,000 purchase at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton Turf Showcase Yearling Sale, where he was consigned by Paramount Sales and purchased by agent Tom McCrocklin.
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