While racing over 1000 metres is not an unfamiliar distance for Tempted, the accomplished mare will contest this trip for the first time in some time this weekend.
The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old is slated to commence her campaign in the $1 million Group 2 Concorde Stakes at Randwick, which will mark only her second career start at this 1000m distance.
Her solitary previous attempt at this shorter trip resulted in a debut victory in a two-year-old fillies maiden at Warwick Farm. Prior to that, her only other race shorter than 1200m was a narrow second place to The Playwright in the 1100m Group 3 Widden Stakes, during her second career start.
Eight of her ten subsequent races have been at 1200m, a distance widely considered her optimal range. However, her two recent trials this preparation, conducted over 900m and 822m, have convinced Maher that she will be sharp enough to win this Saturday.
“She’s a sharp filly, very sharp,” Maher said.
“It certainly wouldn’t surprise me (if she won), without knowing what’s there but, knowing her, she’s pretty sharp.”
Tempted was among the 20 nominations for the Concorde Stakes, with defending champion Headwall, Beadman, Marhoona, and Mazu listed as potential rivals.
The Concorde Stakes serves as the initial step on Tempted’s route towards the 1200m The Everest. Last year, she finished second to the Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million race, outperforming all other contenders.
The daughter of Street Boss has remained unbeaten since that race, recording victories in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) and the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes and Arrowfield Stakes, both run over 1200m. Maher is eager for her to confirm her standing as Godolphin’s primary candidate for The Everest.
“I suppose there’s a little bit to take place, we haven’t even run the Concorde yet, so there’s a bit to play out in the three-year-olds as some of them could step out,” Maher stated.
“But she’s very good. I’m rapt with her. Her prep so far has gone smoothly and if she lines up in the sort of form she’s in, I’m sure she’ll run very well.”
Maher indicated that Tempted is likely to be aimed at the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3, following this Saturday’s race, with The Everest scheduled to be run a fortnight later. Given Tempted’s sharp trial performances, the racing odds are already being discussed on Australian betting sites.
