Racing
Class fillies poised for Sprint rematch
Marhoona has claimed the scalp of Tempted once, can she do it again when they meet at Randwick?
The ledger is squared at one apiece between Marhoona and Tempted, but one filly will come away with bragging rights when they clash for the first time since last year's Golden Slipper on Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.
Both last start Group 1 winners, Marhoona and Tempted will face off in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick next Saturday, having met twice as juveniles with Tempted prevailing in the 2025 Reisling Stakes (1200m) and Marhoona the Slipper.
However, a subsequent spring placing behind superstar Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) and a Group 1 breakthrough in the Surround Stakes (1400m) last start has Tempted marked as an odds-on favourite, while Marhoona is an $11 chance.
The latter's trainer, Michael Freedman, is under no illusions about the task Marhoona faces but says he can't fault his filly.
"We did beat her in the Slipper, and she beat us in the Reisling," Freedman said of the rivalry with Tempted.
"She is obviously a very, very good filly and she will take a bit of beating here next Saturday.
"I think Marhoona is going as well as she ever has. We'll see when barriers come out, that can play a part, but she is in good order.
"Zac Lloyd has picked up the ride on her."
Marhoona buried any thought of a Golden Slipper curse last start when she upstaged more seasoned sprinters to capture The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill.
Freedman said the victory was testament to her tenacity and will to win, adding that what the three-year-old had achieved in just a handful of starts was remarkable.
"She is such a tough, game filly. She's not overly big, but she hates getting beaten," he said.
"It was a big thrill to come out and win a race like that with her after winning the Slipper.
"She won a Listed in the spring as a three-year-old, so it's great credit to her. She's only had eight lifetime starts and she has won two Group Ones."
Stablemate Pallaton could also line up in the Arrowfield, and if he does go around, he will be sporting blinkers after racing "a bit colty" when unplaced in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) last start.
Freedman will also be keeping a close eye on Saturday's Adrian Knox Stakes winner Profoundly, who will back-up in the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) provided she does well during the week.
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