Ciaron Maher believes that given the flawless execution of Tempted’s campaign in The Everest, he is reluctant to suggest that his star sprinter can achieve even greater heights.
While she won’t be competing against the likes of Ka Ying Rising, the level of competition remains a genuine test.
The four-year-old mare’s return to Melbourne racing will be her first since February 2025, when she competed as a juvenile, finishing seventh in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) held at Caulfield.
Her next appearance is scheduled for Flemington, where she will contest the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) down the straight, and Maher sees no impediments to another commanding performance.
“She travelled down really well from Sydney,” Maher reported.
“She worked sharp earlier in the week and she is a horse at the top of her game.
“She’s had a nice gap between runs, the three weeks, and there’s no reason why she should shouldn’t go so well again.”
Tempted had a familiarisation gallop on the Flemington course proper on October 27, offering her a first glimpse of the renowned Melbourne track.
“She had a look down the straight, and she did have a look,” Maher emphasised, observing the mare absorbing the new environment.
Maher drew parallels between her last start triumph and the current situation, despite the differing circumstances.
“Barriers can be a hinderance or a positive and we were keen to use her good draw from barrier one,” Maher stated.
“She gave a good kick and I was confidence she could run her best race.
“That was her peak and there is no reason I’ve seen that that would be hard to maintain.”
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