Godolphin’s star filly Tempted will get the chance to push her claims for an Everest berth when she lines up in the Group 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill on Saturday.

The Godolphin slot for the $20 million feature on October 18 at Randwick remains unfilled, and a strong showing from Tempted in the Golden Rose will significantly strengthen her case. Stablemate Beiwacht, also in Royal Blue but trained by Chris Waller, will be another contender.

Tempted has barrier eight in the nine-horse field and will again be partnered by Ethan Brown, who steered her to a last-start victory in the Group 2 Run To The Rose. Beiwacht has drawn more favourably in gate two.

Trainer Ciaron Maher, who conditions Tempted at his Bong Bong base, said she continues to thrive. “She was up there with the best of them as a two-year-old and she’s come back in great order as a three-year-old,” Maher said. “Godolphin do have their slot and there have been discussions, but it will be one step at a time.”

Rather than stretching out to the Caulfield Guineas, Maher indicated Tempted is more likely to be kept fresh for The Everest or the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.

Maher said the Bong Bong environment suits her temperament. “She’s not over big but has a lot of depth to her. She relaxes well, she eats well, and the setup really suits chestnut fillies that can be a bit highly strung.”

Godolphin will be chasing their seventh Golden Rose victory, while Maher is looking for his first. Previous winners include Broadsiding in 2023 and Bivouac in 2019, who both went on to high-profile spring campaigns.