Tempted notches first Group 1 in classy Surround Stakes effort

Though the victory margin proved tight, Tempted solidified her reputation as the premier sprinting filly among her peers through a Group One Surround Stakes success brimming with quality.

Tackling 1400m for the second time only in her career, Tempted seemed well within herself in third gear as she quickened stride into the Randwick straight, but leader Savvy Hallie fought back gamely, compelling the three-year-old to find more.

Driven on by jockey Chad Schofield, the $1.60 favourite's class prevailed as she rallied powerfully near the finish to pip Savvy Hallie ($10) on the line by a long head, leaving Ole Dancer ($9) to claim third, 1-3/4 lengths further back.

"Chad, he knew what he had underneath him. I was actually thinking, God, you can get a little more desperate' halfway down the straight," a relieved trainer Ciaron Maher said.

"The 14 (1400m) is probably right at the top of her distance range, as we've seen. She's run second and now won at Group One level, but you'd think she is more dynamic at six (furlongs,1200m)."

Previously defeated by Hong Kong ace Ka Ying Rising when second in The Everest (1200m) last spring at three, Tempted may line up once more versus the older speedsters in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).

Nevertheless, Maher plans to discuss options with Godolphin connections before finalising Tempted's next outing, while excluding any foreign raids for now.

"I travelled a three-year-old filly in Coolangatta, and I thought it was a bit early for her," Maher said.

"This horse, we know she does have a bit of a temperament, so I just thought, maybe a little bit later in life."

In response to queries about Tempted's standing among his elite sprinters, Maher placed her ahead of 2024 Everest victor Bella Nipotina at this juncture, with her career arc still unfolding.

"She is definitely right up there. She ran second to the best sprinter in the world as a three-year-old. You'd think with furnishing, she is only going to get better," he said.

For Savvy Hallie's owners, the result was tinged with joy and sorrow, celebrating their filly's grit while lamenting the narrow Group 1 defeat.

"Heartbreaking to get beaten," jockey Nash Rawiller said.

"I loved her tenacity. She made Tempted really work for it. She was great."

Favourite for second Apocalyptic fell short, crossing the line fourth and five lengths off the pace, with jockey Tommy Berry explaining she lacked her usual smoothness.

"She didn't stretch out in the straight so it's not the Apocalyptic we know," Berry said.

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