Tempted laid down a formidable mark for her peers with a powerful resurgence in the Eskimo Prince Stakes, leaving Apocalyptic poised to respond in kind.

The Michael Freedman-prepared three-year-old filly steps out again in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, coming a week on from Tempted’s decisive defeat of colts and geldings first-up across the same ground.

Yet to cross paths, the two fillies are charting paths that will intersect at the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on February 28, and Apocalyptic’s assertive comeback could forge a thrilling encounter.

“I guess there will be the prospect of us locking horns in the Surround,” Freedman said.

“They’re animals, so I never get too far ahead of myself, and I certainly never get over-confident with any horse.

“But I’m very happy with her and looking forward to getting her back to the track.”

Boasting three wins from just five starts, Apocalyptic opened her spring account in the Furious Stakes (1200m) before claiming the Tea Rose (1400m) and Flight Stakes (1600m), ending with a runner-up effort in the Thousand Guineas (1600m) at her first Melbourne run.

Freedman finds it tough not to feel buoyant about a horse delivering such results early on.

“When you break your maiden in a Group Two, and then win a Group Two and a Group One at your next two, you don’t see it too often,” he said.

“From a trainers’ point of view, when you get horses like that around you, it’s exciting.”

Stablemate Manaal remains in contention for the Expressway (1200m) and Triscay Stakes (1200m) as the four-year-old embarks on her probable swansong season.

A reliable stable force in recent times, this Group 1 winner is earmarked for stud duties next season, with Freedman keen to bolster her achievements first.

“This will probably be her last campaign, I’d suggest, before she goes off to the breeding barn, so I’d love to try to pick up another stakes win for the Emirates group,” Freedman said.

“She has been here since the Gimcrack and she’s still matching strides (with the better mares).

“She’s never been what you call a headliner, but it’s rare to see them win before Christmas, a stakes winner at two, stakes winner at three and then a stakes winner at four. It’s a pretty good resume.”

The racing betting markets are heating up for the Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick.

The post Apocalyptic set to Light up Randwick first appeared on Just Horse Racing.