Tempted and Marhoona set to renew rivalry in Arrowfield Sprint
Marhoona and Tempted share a 1-1 record, but bragging rights are up for grabs as the fillies renew hostilities post last year's Golden Slipper during Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.
Last-start Group 1 conquerors both, the pair will lock horns in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) next Saturday at Randwick, having previously tangled twice young, Tempted in the 2025 Reisling Stakes (1200m), Marhoona in the Slipper.
Nevertheless, after finishing behind elite Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) next spring and then breaking through at Group 1 level in the Surround Stakes (1400m), Tempted enters as heavy favourite, with Marhoona at $11 odds.
Michael Freedman, Marhoona's handler, acknowledges the tough assignment but reports his filly in peak condition.
"We did beat her in the Slipper, and she beat us in the Reisling," Freedman said of the rivalry with Tempted.
"She is obviously a very, very good filly and she will take a bit of beating here next Saturday.
"I think Marhoona is going as well as she ever has. We'll see when barriers come out, that can play a part, but she is in good order.
"Zac Lloyd has picked up the ride on her."
In her latest effort, Marhoona erased doubts of a Golden Slipper hoodoo by dominating veterans to seize The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill.
Freedman noted the win underscored her grit and desire to succeed, emphasising the three-year-old's achievements over few races.
"She is such a tough, game filly. She's not overly big, but she hates getting beaten," he said.
"It was a big thrill to come out and win a race like that with her after winning the Slipper.
"She won a Listed in the spring as a three-year-old, so it's great credit to her. She's only had eight lifetime starts and she has won two Group Ones."
Stable companion Pallaton may feature in the Arrowfield, donning blinkers if selected after appearing coltish in his unplaced Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) effort.
Freedman intends to track Adrian Knox Stakes winner Profoundly ahead of her potential back-up into the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) if she trains up well.
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