![Tempted and Chad Schofield destroy their Premiere Stakes rivals at Randwick ahead of a likely Everest rematch with Ka Ying Rising. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2370961.jpg)
Tempted has laid down the challenge to Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising with a devastating performance to win the Premiere Stakes at Randwick and all but secure owner Godolphin’s Everest slot.
While not announced officially, Tempted will represent the global operation in the October 17 showpiece provided she comes through Saturday’s effort in good order.
“That will be out 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 said.
TEMPTED HAS BLOWN THEM AWAY. THE EVEREST AWAITS 💙
Have we ever seen a better Everest audition?!@SchofieldChad @cmaherracing pic.twitter.com/lPmrRyKIOi
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 3, 2026
“It’s pretty clear she’s in even better form, so we look forward to contesting the title again.”
Unbeaten since finishing runner-up to Ka Ying Rising in last year’s Everest (1200m), Tempted made a classy field look second rate.
Allowed to find her feet by Chad Schofield, the $1.60 favourite rocketed down the outside when given rein, streaking clear to defeat Savvy Hallie ($17) by three lengths with Marhoona ($18) a nose away third in an all-mares trifecta.
Jo Gerard-Dubord, Sydney foreman for winning trainer Ciaron Maher, rated the Premiere win as Tempted’s greatest performance.
“It probably is her best win, the way she put them away,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“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 ease of Tempted’s Premiere Stakes (1200m) victory, Gerard-Dubord said the four-year-old was open to further improvement with her campaign timed to have her peaking on Everest day.
In that vein, he isn’t afraid of her again taking on Ka Ying Rising.
“Every horse is beatable on the day,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“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.”
Schofield has developed a wonderful rapport with Tempted and like Gerard-Dubord, he can’t wait for another shot at the world’s best sprinter.
“She has an amazing trait where she grabs the bit around the bend, locks on and is ready to explode,” Schofield said.
“You let her go and off she goes.
“I can’t wait to aim her at Ka Ying Rising.”
