Superb filly Tempted has created buzz for a The Everest grudge match versus Hong Kong hero Ka Ying Rising after a stunning triumph in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint at Randwick in a new class record.
Saturday’s 1200m effort by the three-year-old yielded 1:08.00, topping Cosmic Force’s 1:08.14 benchmark from 2019 and approaching Yes Yes Yes’s track record inside half a second.
Ciaron Maher, now conditioning Tempted after James Cummings following Godolphin’s adoption of public training this term, remarked on her escalating standards.
“It was pretty thrilling to watch. She’s just got a brilliant turn of foot, doesn’t she?” Maher said.
“She came into our stable in super order, and she just keeps going to another level each time she runs as she furnishes and develops.
“Her run in the Everest (1200m) last year was huge, her prep to break (through for) a Group One. I’m just so thrilled to be able to train for Godolphin, and thrilled for my team.”
Beaten only by Ka Ying Rising in last spring’s The Everest (1200m), Tempted has Maher contemplating a fresh challenge against the champion.
Decisions rest with consultations alongside Godolphin’s Andy Makiv and Jason Walsh, but Maher indicated reversing from the Everest offers clear direction.
“Most likely. She hasn’t had a taxing prep this time around, but I’ll sit down with Andy and Jason and the Godolphin team and they’re good discussions to have,” he said.
“She is going to be competitive in whatever you want to race her in.
“She keeps getting better each prep. Her manners keep improving each time she goes to the races. She’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Tempted, the $1.60 pick, unleashed her electric finish at 200m to collar Devil Night ($14) by 1-1/4 lengths, leaving Grafterburners ($8) three-quarters further behind.
Maher hailed Chad Schofield’s mount as a “cool, calm, collected ride”, but Schofield put it down to the filly’s prowess.
“She can be wherever you want her to be,” Schofield said.
“She can be forward, back, relax and then access that turn of foot. It’s really breathtaking and feels amazing to be on top of, and good to get the job done.”
Classique Legend landed the Arrowfield in 2019 and then The Everest the subsequent spring.
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