Top-class sprinting filly Tempted is set for a barrier trial this week to maintain her sharpness before her upcoming Sydney autumn carnival assignment.
The three-year-old is nominated for a 1000m heat at Hawkesbury on Monday and a 1030m session at Rosehill on Tuesday, with trainer Ciaron Maher suggesting Rosehill is the preferred choice based on track conditions.
Chad Schofield, her usual jockey, is confirmed for either trial.
“I’ll see what the tracks are like, but she will probably go to Rosehill,” Maher said.
Having finished second to the elite Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) last spring, Tempted secured her first Group 1 success with a gutsy win in the Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 28.
She has remained on the fresh side since then, and following a recent inspection at Maher’s Bong Bong training facility, the handler noted the filly is in excellent shape.
“I was down at Bong Bong during the week. I pulled her out of the paddock, and I thought, she’s going to jump out of the paddock, so I swiftly put her back away,” he said.
“She’s in great order.”
The Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on April 11 appears to be her primary aim, though Maher has left open the chance to face seasoned sprinters in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) seven days prior.
“Maybe an Arrowfield or TJ. I will see what the other horses are doing,” he said.
Tempted holds even money favouritism for the Arrowfield and is at $8 in TJ Smith betting.
The 2022 Everest victor Giga Kick is also due to trial at Rosehill on Tuesday, having impressed trainer Clayton Douglas with a solid closing fourth behind Generosity in the Challenge Stakes (1000m).
He is prepared for a return challenge in the TJ Smith Stakes following his second-place finish to I Wish I Win in the event three years back.
Fans eyeing the TJ Smith Stakes can explore the best racing odds via top online bookmakers.