Schofield excited for first step towards maiden Everest ride

Chad Schofield says it’s scary to think Tempted might be even better as a four-year-old as he eyes an important step on Saturday towards what he hopes will be a first ride in the $20 million Everest.

The Street Boss mare resumes in the $1 million Concorde Stakes (1000m), where she was a $1.85 favourite, as she starts down the same path as trainer Ciaron Maher’s 2024 Everest winner Bella Nipotina, with a next run in the Premiere Stakes before the main event.

Tempted surged late, from a start in gate one and carrying just 51 kilograms, to finish second to Ka Ying Rising in the Everest last year, and she remains highest in the market, at $9, to challenge the Hong Kong superstar on October 17.

Schofield picked up the ride on the Godolphin star when she returned this year, taking her to victories in the Eskimo Prince and Surround Stakes, and the Arrowfield Sprint.

He has ridden her in two Warwick Farm trials and some track gallops leading into Saturday’s return and said he was “thrilled with how she’s been feeling”. Tempted has performed at a high level despite proving a handful at times on race days, but Schofield has seen a change for the better.

“You’ve got to remember, she’s still a really young horse,” Schofield said.

“The Tempted we’ve seen has been a young version, now we’re going to see her as an older, more mature horse and it’s scary to think she could even be better.

“She’s pretty similar physically, but for me, it’s her mental state. I think that’s really come on. That’s what’s improved.

“I’m obviously three from three with her, and we just hope we can keep that going right through to the Everest.”

Schofield was in the hunt for an Everest ride two years ago when given the chance on Bustling, the first horse given a slot that year, but that opportunity vanished when he failed to fire in the Run To The Rose.

No horse has been locked in for this year’s 10th edition of race, but Tempted has long shaped as Godolphin’s top option. Beiwacht, though, has come further into consideration after his dominant Memsie Stakes win last week.

Schofield said the situation made Saturday’s run “extremely important”.

“For Godolphin’s sake, Beiwacht’s already put the runs on the board, so it’s now her turn to stamp herself as their top seed,” he said.

Schofield has high hopes as well for Peter Snowden-trained filly Oh Yes She Did, which was $23 for the group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.