Premiere Stakes victory for Tempted seals Everest start

Tempted has made a powerful statement with her commanding win in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick, effectively securing her owner Godolphin's slot in The Everest and signalling her readiness to challenge Hong Kong's elite sprinter Ka Ying Rising.

The official confirmation is awaited, but Tempted is expected to represent the global operation in the October 17 feature, provided she pulls up sound from her impressive Saturday performance.

"That will be our expectation. She'll carry our colours as she did last year, and she carried them so well," Godolphin's racing and bloodstock manager, Jason Walsh, commented. "It's pretty clear she's in even better form, so we look forward to contesting the title again."

Having remained undefeated since her second to Ka Ying Rising in the previous year's Everest (1200m), Tempted made a star-studded field appear ordinary.

Under jockey Chad Schofield, who allowed the $1.60 favourite to find her rhythm, the mare unleashed a blistering run down the outside upon being given her head, striding clear to defeat Savvy Hallie ($17) by three lengths. Marhoona ($18) was a nose further back in third, completing a clean sweep for the fillies and mares.

Jo Gerard-Dubord, the Sydney foreman for trainer Ciaron Maher, declared the Premiere Stakes triumph as Tempted's career-best effort.

"It probably is her best win, the way she put them away," Gerard-Dubord stated. "Everything she does, she's very special. She'll have to be very special in two weeks, but we'll be spot-on for that. Ka Ying (Rising), if he's at his best, he's very hard to beat. But he'll have to be at his best."

Despite the commanding margin of victory in the Premiere Stakes (1200m), Gerard-Dubord indicated that the four-year-old mare still possesses untapped potential, with her campaign meticulously planned for peak performance on Everest day.

In anticipation of this, he is unfazed by the prospect of Tempted confronting Ka Ying Rising once more.

"Every horse is beatable on the day," Gerard-Dubord added. "She quickens so well, but every time she gets to the front, she waits for them, so if she's got something to chase for a bit longer, I think there's a bit more there. It has been her target to have her peaking on Everest day, so in terms of where she's at, there is a touch more to come."

Chad Schofield has developed a remarkable understanding with Tempted, and echoing Gerard-Dubord's sentiments, he is keenly anticipating another shot at the world's premier sprinter.

"She has an amazing trait where she grabs the bit around the bend, locks on and is ready to explode," Schofield remarked. "You let her go and off she goes. I can't wait to aim her at Ka Ying Rising."

With this dominant win, Tempted has firmly put herself in contention for The Everest, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

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