Ciaron Maher’s divergence from the norm in autumn carnival scheduling for Tempted offers Chad Schofield a stellar engagement on the talented filly.
James McDonald, the champion, remains booked for Wodeton, the Coolmore colt, in Randwick’s Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, allowing Schofield the prestigious ride on the Everest runner-up.
Back in 2013, Ichihara became the last filly to conquer the race, with only three more attempting to mix it with males afterward, as the bulk of trainers favor the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) exclusively for their charges a week hence.
In planning a three-week break for Tempted after her opening run before the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m), Maher’s bold move has landed squarely in Schofield’s lap.
“It was a bit of good work from my manager who identified the ride might be available and put my name in the ring,” Schofield said.
“I was grateful Godolphin and Ciaron were happy to put me on and hopefully I can repay their faith in me.
“I went and galloped her on Monday morning and was very taken by her. I can’t wait to ride her Saturday.
“She is extremely talented, and I feel like we haven’t seen the best of her yet. Hopefully it’s this preparation and I’m on her back.”
With four successes in nine appearances, Tempted saw off colts and geldings in her fresh win last prep via the Run To The Rose (1200m), followed by a placing in the Golden Rose (1200m) and a close second to Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m).
Carrying 1.5kg more than peers like Golden Rose second Wodeton in the set weights plus penalties Eskimo Prince Stakes, Tempted is still the $1.70 fancy, a ranking Schofield affirms.
“For sure. She’s got the runs on the board, and we’ve seen her talent,” he said.
“She looks to have come back really well, and she is a deserved favourite.”
The betting markets for the race are heating up for the Eskimo Prince Stakes. Of note, another filly, Memo trained by Peter Snowden ($26), lines up alongside Tempted this time.
The post Schofield Tempted by Princely prize first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
