Ciaron Maher isn’t sure if Tempted can upset Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million Everest, but he’s satisfied the mare couldn’t be going any better after her scintillating return in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.
Against a high quality field, Tempted ($1.95 fav) unleashed a withering turn of foot from the second half of the field to put the race away in a matter of strides, defeating last year’s winner Headwall ($4.40) by a long neck.
While Maher was confident the mare had returned to work as good as ever, he was still blown away 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 got closest to Ka Ying Rising in the Everest last year and that race is again her goal with her owners, Godolphin, among the race slot holders, although she is yet to be confirmed as their representative.
Maher said Tempted would have one more start in the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3 with the Everest (1200m) a fortnight later.
“The plan is the Premiere, so that will give her a month between runs, and then the Everest,” he said.
“She’s even better than she was. She has furnished a bit, and she just keeps improving.”
Ka Ying Rising is set to resume at Sha Tin on Sunday in the first step towards his Everest defence and Maher says he will be watching closely.
The champion sprinter has been impressive in two recent barrier trial wins and Maher admits Tempted will need to keep improving if she is any chance to challenge him.
“I’ve seen the big Ka Ying (Rising). He’s getting better as well, so we need to,” he said.
“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 thrilled with the return of Headwall, who was having his first start since being sidelined by a leg issue suffered after his win in last 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 doing his best work late to grab third, 1-1/2 lengths behind Headwall.
