Tempted has thrown down the gauntlet to Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising with a commanding victory in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick, almost certainly securing owner Godolphin’s coveted Everest slot.
While official confirmation is outstanding, Tempted is expected to represent the global racing operation in the October 17 feature event, provided she recovers well from her Saturday exertion.
“That will be our expectation. She’ll carry our colours as she did last year, and she carried them so well,” Godolphin’s racing and bloodstock manager, Jason Walsh, stated. “It’s pretty clear she’s in even better form, so we look forward to contesting the title again.”
Unbeaten since finishing runner-up to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s Everest (1200m), Tempted made a high-quality field look second-rate.
With jockey Chad Schofield allowing her to settle, the $1.60 favourite accelerated powerfully down the outside when given rein, pulling away to defeat Savvy Hallie ($17) by three lengths. Marhoona ($18) was a nose behind in third, completing an all-mares trifecta.
Jo Gerard-Dubord, Sydney foreman for winning trainer Ciaron Maher, rated the Premiere Stakes win as Tempted’s finest performance.
“It probably is her best win, the way she put them away,” Gerard-Dubord commented. “Everything she does, she’s very special. She’ll have to be very special in two weeks, but we’ll be spot-on for that. Ka Ying (Rising), if he’s at his best, he’s very hard to beat. But he’ll have to be at his best.”
Despite the ease of Tempted’s victory in the Premiere Stakes (1200m), Gerard-Dubord indicated that the four-year-old mare has more to offer, with her campaign strategically planned to peak on Everest day.
In light of this, he is not worried about her facing Ka Ying Rising again.
“Every horse is beatable on the day,” Gerard-Dubord asserted. “She quickens so well, but every time she gets to the front, she waits for them, so if she’s got something to chase for a bit longer, I think there’s a bit more there. It has been her target to have her peaking on Everest day, so in terms of where she’s at, there is a touch more to come.”
Schofield has cultivated a remarkable partnership with Tempted and, like Gerard-Dubord, is eager for another chance against the world’s top sprinter.
“She has an amazing trait where she grabs the bit around the bend, locks on and is ready to explode,” Schofield explained. “You let her go and off she goes. I can’t wait to aim her at Ka Ying Rising.”
Tempted’s dominant Premiere Stakes win has firmly established her as a leading contender for The Everest.
For those interested in betting on this major race, exploring the latest Australian betting sites is recommended.