Trainer Ciaron Maher is uncertain if Tempted can overcome Hong Kong’s star galloper Ka Ying Rising in the lucrative $20 million Everest. However, he is pleased with the mare’s condition following her spectacular comeback victory in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.

Facing a strong field, Tempted, the favourite at $1.95, produced a stunning burst of speed from midfield to easily win the race. She crossed the line a long neck ahead of last year’s champion, Headwall ($4.40).

Maher admitted that while he was confident in the mare’s readiness, her performance on Saturday still exceeded expectations.

“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 finished closest to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s Everest, and the same race remains her primary target. Her owners, Godolphin, hold a slot in the race, though Tempted has not yet been officially confirmed as their runner.

Maher indicated that Tempted’s next start would be the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3, setting up a month-long gap before the Everest a fortnight 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 scheduled to begin his Everest defence on Sunday at Sha Tin, and Maher confirmed he would be closely monitoring the race. The celebrated sprinter has shown his class with two recent barrier trial victories, and Maher acknowledged that Tempted would need to continue her upward trajectory to compete.

“I’ve seen the big Ka Ying (Rising). He’s getting better as well, so we need to,” he commented. “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.”

Jockey Zac Lloyd expressed his delight with Headwall’s return, marking the gelding’s first outing since sustaining a leg injury after his win in 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 remarked.

Beadman ($31) also impressed with a late surge, finishing third, a length and a half behind Headwall.

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