Ciaron Maher is uncertain about Tempted’s prospects against Hong Kong’s superstar Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million Everest, but he is confident the mare is in peak condition after her brilliant return in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.
Facing a high-calibre field, Tempted, the $1.95 favourite, unleashed a devastating turn of foot from the second half of the pack to secure victory, defeating last year’s winner Headwall ($4.40) by a long neck.
While Maher was assured the mare had returned to work as well as ever, he was still amazed by her performance on Saturday.
“On her trials and her work, we were pretty confident coming in,” Maher said. “But just her turn of foot. It still amazes you. She even got there too soon, just because she is so electric.”
Tempted finished closest to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s Everest, and that race remains her primary objective. Her owners, Godolphin, hold a slot for the race, although Tempted has not yet been confirmed as their representative.
Maher confirmed that Tempted’s next engagement will be the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3, with the Everest (1200m) scheduled for a fortnight later.
“The plan is the Premiere, so that will give her a month between runs, and then the Everest,” he commented. “She’s even better than she was. She has furnished a bit, and she just keeps improving.”
Ka Ying Rising is set to resume his Everest defence at Sha Tin on Sunday. Maher stated he will be watching the race intently and acknowledged that Tempted would need to continue her improvement to mount a challenge.
“I’ve seen the big Ka Ying (Rising). He’s getting better as well, so we need to,” he remarked. “But thrilled and looking forward to what lies ahead. All we can do is manage our horse, and I’m rapt with the way she has come back.”
Zac Lloyd was delighted with Headwall’s comeback run, the gelding’s first start since a leg injury sidelined him after winning the previous year’s Concorde Stakes (1000m). “Fantastic. His trials have been great, (but) good to see him do it race day. Just a bit of a chequered path in the straight,” Lloyd said.
Beadman ($31) also caught the eye with a late run to claim third place, 1-1/2 lengths behind Headwall.
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