Champion jockey James McDonald has high hopes for Tempted in the Golden Slipper after guiding the James Cummings-trained filly to a dominant win in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes at Randwick.
Tempted, a daughter of Street Boss and Calliope, previously finished midfield in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes in Melbourne after an unlucky run.
Settling back in the field, Tempted, the $2.90 favourite, powered home down the outside in the final stages to win the 1200m Reisling by a neck over Marhoona ($11), with Inkaruna ($5.50) third.
“She’s a beautiful filly and she’s just promised a lot,” McDonald said.
McDonald drew comparisons between Tempted and her dam Calliope, with both showing similar potential despite Calliope’s gate issues during her career.
“She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with in two weeks,” McDonald added.
Tempted, initially priced at $26 for the Golden Slipper, is now a $9 equal second favourite behind Wodeton.
Cummings was pleased to see Tempted bounce back after the Blue Diamond, noting her impressive fresh-up performance.
“She’ll step into the Slipper with confidence and momentum,” Cummings said.
Jockey Jason Collett praised Marhoona’s effort as a strong run, despite tiring late.