While Ciaron Maher is uncertain if Tempted can dethrone Hong Kong’s star Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million Everest, he is confident the mare is in superb order after her sensational return in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.
Tempted ($1.95 favourite) unleashed a devastating sprint from the second half of the field to put the race beyond doubt, defeating last year’s winner Headwall ($4.40) by a long neck in a high-quality contest.
Maher, though confident in the mare’s readiness, was still blown away by her performance on Saturday.
“On her trials and her work, we were pretty confident coming in,” Maher said. “But just her turn of foot. It still amazes you. She even got there too soon, just because she is so electric.”
Tempted was the closest challenger to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s Everest, and the prestigious race remains her target. Her owners, Godolphin, are among the slot holders, although her participation is yet to be officially confirmed.
Maher confirmed the upcoming plan involves the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3, followed by the Everest (1200m) two weeks later.
“The plan is the Premiere, so that will give her a month between runs, and then the Everest,” he stated. “She’s even better than she was. She has furnished a bit, and she just keeps improving.”
Ka Ying Rising is expected to begin his Everest defence at Sha Tin on Sunday, and Maher confirmed he would be observing the race closely. He acknowledged that Tempted would need to continue progressing to stand a chance against the champion sprinter.
“I’ve seen the big Ka Ying (Rising). He’s getting better as well, so we need to,” he remarked. “But thrilled and looking forward to what lies ahead. All we can do is manage our horse, and I’m rapt with the way she has come back.”
Zac Lloyd was thrilled with Headwall’s return, marking the gelding’s first start since sustaining a leg injury after winning the previous year’s Concorde Stakes (1000m). “Fantastic. His trials have been great, (but) good to see him do it race day. Just a bit of a chequered path in the straight,” Lloyd commented.
Beadman ($31) also impressed with a late surge to claim third, 1-1/2 lengths behind Headwall.
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