By opting against the conventional autumn carnival plan for Tempted, Ciaron Maher has provided Chad Schofield with an excellent shot astride the elite filly.
With leading jockey James McDonald pledged to ride Coolmore colt Wodeton in the upcoming Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on Saturday at Randwick, Schofield steps into the coveted position on the impressive Everest contender.
No filly has won the race since Ichihara triumphed in 2013, and merely three have faced the males afterward, since most handlers direct them toward their gender-restricted race, the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), a week on.
Maher seeks a three-week interval for Tempted from her debut run of the prep to the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m), embracing a rarer strategy that suits Schofield perfectly.
“It was a bit of good work from my manager who identified the ride might be available and put my name in the ring,” Schofield said.
“I was grateful Godolphin and Ciaron were happy to put me on and hopefully I can repay their faith in me.
“I went and galloped her on Monday morning and was very taken by her. I can’t wait to ride her Saturday.
“She is extremely talented, and I feel like we haven’t seen the best of her yet. Hopefully it’s this preparation and I’m on her back.”
Holder of four victories across nine starts, Tempted topped colts and geldings first-up last time in the Run To The Rose (1200m), then placed in the Golden Rose (1200m) prior to running second to champion Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m).
In the Eskimo Prince Stakes under set weights plus penalties, she’ll give 1.5kg to horses including Wodeton, Golden Rose second, but commands $1.70 favoritism, a spot Schofield endorses.
“For sure. She’s got the runs on the board, and we’ve seen her talent,” he said.
“She looks to have come back really well, and she is a deserved favourite.”
Head to the racing betting markets to find top prices for the Eskimo Prince Stakes. Tempted shares the fillies’ representation this year with Memo, prepared by Peter Snowden, at $26 odds.
The post Schofield Tempted by Princely prize first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
