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Star mare Tempted could scarcely have been more impressive ahead of her highly anticipated The Everest rematch with Ka Ying Rising, producing a devastating three-length victory in Saturday’s Group 2 $1 million Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick that confirmed she is right on song for the world’s richest turf race.
The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old entered the spring as one of Australia’s premier sprinters and further enhanced that reputation with a commanding display in the $300,000 feature, putting a quality field to the sword while starting an odds-on $1.60 favourite.
Ridden by Chad Schofield, Tempted ($1.60F) settled beautifully despite an awkward draw before circling the field approaching the home turn. Once asked to extend, the daughter of Street Boss exploded clear with her trademark acceleration, careering away to score by three lengths over the brave Savvy Hallie, while Marhoona battled on for third.
The victory was Tempted’s ninth from just 14 starts and arguably the most dominant of her career, reinforcing her credentials ahead of her clash with Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) back at Randwick on October 17.
Representing the Maher stable, Johann Gerard-Dubord was glowing in his assessment of the mare’s performance.
“It probably is her best win, the way she put them away,” he said.
“It was a very good field, and she made them look like they’re nothing special.
“It’s a genuine Group 1 field and the way she quickened, which is her best asset, she’s one of a kind.
“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.”
While many have already labelled The Everest a match race between Ka Ying Rising and Tempted, Gerard-Dubord warned against underestimating the challenge ahead while maintaining complete faith in the mare’s ability.
“Every horse is beatable on the day,” he said.
“And there’s more there. 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.
“The good thing about her is she goes on any ground, and she’s got such a good turn of foot, a high-pressure race will only suit her.
“We’ll try our best.”
Since her outstanding three-year-old season that included a second behind the fastest horse on the planet in last year’s The Everest, Tempted has continued to develop both physically and mentally, something the stable believes has elevated her to another level.
“You can’t, and you have to consider the weight,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“She had a lightweight last year, so she needs to be a lot better. Physically, she hasn’t changed a lot but mentally, she is just so bombproof.
“Naturally, as they mature they get stronger. It will take a very special horse to beat her.
“It’s not often you go to the races for races like that and you’re just confident nothing can happen.
“She’s that kind of horse. She makes you feel like you can’t get beaten.”
The Maher camp has deliberately followed a familiar path towards The Everest, one that previously delivered success with elite sprinters.
“It has been a target to have her peaking third-up, and that’s the path we followed with Bella Nipotina and Jimmysstar and they both peaked on the day,” Gerard-Dubord added.
“She will be peaking on the day.
“Very exciting and great to get horses like that from Godolphin. They breed quality and having a horse like that, they build confidence as she’s doing. Going into a race like The Everest, it will be a very exciting couple of weeks.”
Ka Ying Rising deservedly dominates early The Everest betting at $1.35 through Ladbrokes, while Tempted is on the second line at $6.
The Everest 2026 Odds
| 1. Ka Ying Rising (S) | ||
| 2. Tempted | ||
| 3. Jimmysstar | ||
| 4. Joliestar | ||
| 5. Angel Capital |
Schofield was equally enthusiastic after the win, suggesting there may still be untapped potential in the mare despite her explosive display.
“The problem is she runs past them in 50m, so I don’t really know how to answer that. She is a machine,” the hoop said.
The jockey said the race unfolded perfectly despite pre-race concerns over the barrier draw.
“The draw was tricky today, but she got out cleanly, I got cover then circled up for home a long way from the leader,” Schofield added.
“She has an amazing trait where she grabs the bit around the bend, locks on and is ready to explode.
“You let her go and off she goes! I can’t wait to aim her at Ka Ying Rising.
“She is going to be ready to go and she is an amazing horse.”
Behind the winner, Savvy Hallie earned praise after boxing on strongly for second, with Nash Rawiller particularly proud of her effort.
“She was awesome,” Rawiller said of the runner-up.
“The fight she showed to run second, I was bloody proud of her. We’ll leave it up to the team where we go from here. Never let us down again.”
Marhoona also continued her consistent preparation with another bold showing.
“She is going super. She is trending the right way. She gets better with racing. Will be competitive wherever she goes,” Zac Lloyd said.
However, the day belonged entirely to Tempted. Her effortless Premiere Stakes triumph was the perfect final statement before The Everest and ensured she heads into the October 17 showdown at the peak of her powers.
If Saturday’s performance is any indication, Ka Ying Rising will need to be at his absolute best to hold off the flying mare when the pair renew one of the most anticipated rivalries of the Spring Racing Carnival.
