The score is tied at one win each for Marhoona and Tempted, yet one filly will emerge victorious when they meet again since last year’s Golden Slipper on Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.

Recent Group 1 winners in their latest outings, Marhoona and Tempted are scheduled to contest the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick next Saturday, following two juvenile clashes where Tempted succeeded in the 2025 Reisling Stakes (1200m) and Marhoona in the Slipper.

That said, Tempted’s recent third place behind the exceptional Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) followed by a Group 1 success in the Surround Stakes (1400m) has positioned her as the odds-on elect, whereas Marhoona sits at $11.

Trainer of the latter, Michael Freedman, recognises the challenge ahead for Marhoona but insists there’s nothing wrong with his charge.

“We did beat her in the Slipper, and she beat us in the Reisling,” Freedman said of the rivalry with Tempted.

“She is obviously a very, very good filly and she will take a bit of beating here next Saturday.

“I think Marhoona is going as well as she ever has. We’ll see when barriers come out, that can play a part, but she is in good order.

“Zac Lloyd has picked up the ride on her.”

Marhoona dispelled any notion of a Golden Slipper jinx in her most recent run by outshining experienced sprinters to claim The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill.

According to Freedman, that success highlighted her determination and competitive spirit, noting the impressive feats of the three-year-old in limited appearances.

“She is such a tough, game filly. She’s not overly big, but she hates getting beaten,” he said.

“It was a big thrill to come out and win a race like that with her after winning the Slipper.

“She won a Listed in the spring as a three-year-old, so it’s great credit to her. She’s only had eight lifetime starts and she has won two Group Ones.”

Fellow stable runner Pallaton might join the Arrowfield field, and should he run, he’ll wear blinkers having shown coltish tendencies when below par in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) recently.

Michael Freedman plans to monitor Profoundly, victor of Saturday’s Adrian Knox Stakes, as she targets the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) with a strong midweek performance.

Explore the best Australian betting sites for competitive markets on the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint.