In the aftermath of Miss Temple City (Temple City)'s hard-fought victory in Saturday's GI Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland, trainer Graham Motion confirmed Sunday morning that the 4-year-old filly will likely make her next start in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita Nov. 5. The dark bay's Shadwell triumph marked her second win over male rivals in 2016, having also captured the GI Maker's 46 Mile in Lexington Apr. 15.
“I think we have to,” trainer Graham Motion said when asked about the possibility of a Breeders' Cup appearance. “As long as she's doing well, I would imagine we will be there.”
Miss Temple City, who runs for the partnership of The Club Racing, Allen Rosenblum and Sagamore Farm, earned an automatic “Win and You're In” berth in the starting gate for the Breeders' Cup Mile by virtue of her win Saturday. Motion said Miss Temple City is the best filly he has ever trained, crediting her with having a professional temperament.
“She's all business,” the three-time Breeders' Cup winning trainer noted. “Like this morning, she is not interested in talking to anyone. She is not an attention seeker but she is very kind. There is no malice with her.”
Motion added that West Point Thoroughbreds' Ring Weekend (Tapit), a wide and pace-compromised seventh behind his stablemate in the Shadwell, could also be Breeders' Cup-bound.
Stuart Janney III's Ironicus (Distorted Humor) was also at the mercy of a decidedly slow pace and uncorked a rousing late rally to finish second, beaten a head, behind Miss Temple City. The gray emerged from Saturday's race in fine condition and will likely get a rematch with the winner at Santa Anita.
“He will go back to New York Monday,” said Reeve McGaughey, assistant to his father, Shug McGaughey. “I assume he will go on to the Breeders' Cup [Mile]. That's the plan.”
Two-time North American Grade 1 winner Mondialiste (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a late-running fourth in Saturday's tilt, is scheduled to return to Europe Tuesday, but will also likely return to the States for the World Championships. Mondialiste finished second in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland.
“He goes to Nashville, where he gets a direct flight to [London],” said Fergal Davis, the exercise rider for Mondialiste. “The plan is to come back for the Breeders' Cup [at Santa Anita].”
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