Tempted's brilliant return secures Concorde Stakes victory

Ciaron Maher is unsure if Tempted possesses the ability to challenge the Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million Everest, but he is satisfied that the mare could not be in better form following her dazzling reappearance in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.

Against a formidable lineup of competitors, Tempted ($1.95 favourite) unleashed a powerful finishing sprint from the latter half of the field, decisively winning the race by a long neck over last year's victor, Headwall ($4.40).

Although Maher was confident the mare had returned to her peak condition, he was still astonished 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 came the closest to Ka Ying Rising in last year's Everest, and that prestigious event remains her objective. Her owners, Godolphin, are among the race slot holders, though her participation is yet to be officially confirmed.

Maher revealed that Tempted is slated to contest the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3, followed by the Everest (1200m) two weeks later.

"The plan is the Premiere, so that will give her a month between runs, and then the Everest," he explained. "She's even better than she was. She has furnished a bit, and she just keeps improving."

Ka Ying Rising is set to commence his Everest defence at Sha Tin on Sunday. Maher indicated that he will be observing the race closely and acknowledged that Tempted will require further improvement to contend with the Hong Kong champion.

"I've seen the big Ka Ying (Rising). He's getting better as well, so we need to," Maher admitted. "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 performance of Headwall, the gelding having his first run since recovering from a leg injury sustained after his victory in 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 commented.

Beadman ($31) also showed a strong finish, securing third place, one and a half lengths behind Headwall.

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