Those linked to Tempted have cautioned her Randwick adversaries, courtesy of assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord’s verdict that she represents “the best she has been all preparation”.
The exceptional filly tackles Saturday’s $1 million Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) having captured her maiden Group 1 via the Surround Stakes (1400m) in her latest run.
That success required determination, but she drops back to her best distance at Randwick, leaving Gerard-Dubord, boss of head trainer Ciaron Maher’s Sydney squad, wowed by the three-year-old’s improvement.
“The plan this preparation was to win a Group One, and the Surround was our target,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“She did that, and then we had two options, the T J (Smith Stakes) or the Arrowfield.
“The Godolphin team was keen to split their horses up (Tentyris and Tempted) and the Arrowfield is a nice target back against three-year-olds.
“She has beaten most of them in the past and back to 1200 fresh, it’s the best she has been all preparation.”
Six-for-11 in her career, Tempted is two-from-two this prep, and the $1.70 quote suggests the Arrowfield is within grasp.
Gerard-Dubord notes the awkward post eight amid 10 starters as his lone doubt, anticipating Tempted’s brilliance and Chad Schofield’s ride to shine through.
“She has drawn a touch tricky so Chad will have to work it out early and find a spot, but she has such a good turn of foot and she’s such a good filly, hopefully she is just too good for them,” he said.
Arrowfield alumni have excelled recently, from Everest conqueror Classique Legend (2019) and Group 1 star Wild Ruler (2021) to champion Joliestar two years ago. Fans should look at online bookmakers for Arrowfield Sprint betting options.