Outstanding filly Tempted has paved the way for a potential rematch in The Everest against Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising following a dazzling win in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint at Randwick, smashing the class record.
The three-year-old registered a time of 1:08.00 for the 1200m on Saturday, surpassing the prior class mark of 1:08.14 established by Cosmic Force back in 2019, and just half a second shy of the track record set by Yes Yes Yes.
Ciaron Maher, who assumed training duties for Tempted from James Cummings after Godolphin shifted to a public trainer setup at the season’s outset, noted that the filly continues to elevate her performance.
“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.”
Tempted was the only horse to challenge Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) last spring, and Maher showed no hesitation about facing the top sprinter once more.
Although conversations with Godolphin’s Andy Makiv and Jason Walsh will shape their plans, Maher admitted that targeting the Everest as a key goal aligns well with her schedule.
“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.”
Sent off at $1.60 favourite, Tempted produced a stunning burst from the 200m to pass front-runner Devil Night ($14) by 1-1/4 lengths, with Grafterburners ($8) a further three-quarters back in third.
Maher called Chad Schofield’s ride a “cool, calm, collected ride”, though the jockey credited Tempted for simplifying things.
“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 took out the Arrowfield in 2019 before returning the next spring to win The Everest.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing odds ahead of The Everest.
