Temple City Terror Reigns In Keertana

LOUISVILLE, KY – Pocket Aces Racing’s Temple City Terror reeled in loose-on-the-lead Dalika in the late stages to reign supreme in Saturday’s $110,000 Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs.

The 5/1 fourth choice in the field of nine older fillies and mares, Temple City Terror and jockey Adam Beschizza settled into a stalking position while Dalika and rider Miguel Mena struck an incredibly lengthy early lead.

Though 16 lengths clear of second at one point in the 1 1/2-mile firm turf marathon, Dalika weakened steadily in the stretch as Temple City Terror came charging.

The Brendan Walsh trainee crossed the wire 3/4 of a length clear, stopping the clock in 2:29.57.

“This filly, Brendan has done a fantastic job with her,” Beschizza said. “Stepping her up to a mile and 1/2 seems to be looking bright now.”

Dalika was 3 lengths ahead of 39/1 longshot Tweety Show, while the 2/1 favorite Pass the Plate rallied from last for fourth.

Delta’s Kingdom, First Course, Sursum Corda, Naomi Broadway, and Cambeliza completed the order of finish. Ya Beauty scratched.

Temple City Terror’s win was her first in a stakes and improved her overall record to 20-4-4-3 with $288,401 earned.

Temple City Terror returned $13.20 to win, $5.40 to place, and $4.80 to show. Dalika brought back $5.20 to place and $4.40 to show. Tweety Show paid $13 to show.