• To Win: No. 9 Tempted
• Top 3: No. 4 Wodeton
• Top 4: No. 5 State Visit

TEMPTED (8) is the last to be listed but far from least in the market. The only filly taking on the boys in the Golden Rose, Tempted’s shown she’s more than up to the challenge.

No filly has won this race since Forensics in 2008, so history isn’t on her side. But that’s about the only knock, and I’m confident this Street Boss daughter can defy the trend and take out the Group 1.

She’s building an impressive resume with four wins from seven starts, including a dominant first-up display in the Run To The Rose where she put Beiwacht and Skyhook to the sword.

Her juvenile season was full of Group-level class—two Group 2 wins and a close third in the Golden Slipper stamped her as a future top-liner. Her win in the Group 2 Percy Sykes on April 12 was particularly eye-catching, and she’s picked up right where she left off.

The way she cruised past Beiwacht fresh was ominous, and she’s only going to improve. The step up to 1400m looks ideal given the authority of her 1200m victories. She’s a star in the making—and Saturday could be her breakout moment.

Wodeton (1) is a Waller trained colt by the late Wootton Bassett who draws the coveted rails run and carries the hopes of honouring his sire with a long-awaited Group 1 victory—something many punters feel is well within reach for this classy galloper.

He was right in the thick of it during his two-year-old campaign, finishing a narrow second in the Golden Slipper and a close fourth behind Vinrock in the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ over 1400m—a race that’s proven to be a strong form reference.

First-up, he was runner-up in the San Domenico, then ran fourth in the Run To The Rose where he had genuine excuses after settling back and covering ground. Despite the tough run, his final 200m was electric, suggesting the return to 1400m will suit perfectly.

He’s the most fancied of Waller’s runners and gets a key boost with James McDonald back in the saddle—a proven winning combo. Expect him to be charging late.

State Visit (6) is another colt by the recently passed Wootton Bassett, who’s being overlooked by most but might have more to offer than his odds suggest. Ciaron Maher finds himself at both ends of the Golden Rose market, saddling up the top pick and this rank outsider.

While many expect him to finish out the back, the rise to 1400m could be the key to unlocking his potential. He’s the kind of roughie I love—credible form lines and a chance to sneak into the placings behind a more fancied stablemate. If you’re backing the filly Tempted, there’s a case to be made for adding this guy to your exotics.

His lone win came in a Canterbury maiden back in February, but he’s been competitive in stronger company since—third in the Pago Pago behind Skyhook, second to Vinrock in a thrilling Inglis Sires’ finish, and fourth to Nepotism in the Champagne Stakes over the Randwick mile.

He went around at similar odds in the Run To The Rose and wasn’t disgraced, finishing four lengths off fifth-placed Tempted in what looked a solid campaign kick-off. He’s a striking type, will appreciate the extra trip, and looks a forgotten runner who could easily sneak into the top four without causing a boilover.