High-priced yearling Temptacion has emerged as a WA Oaks (2400m) contender for trainer Dan Morton after the All Too Hard filly scored another comfortable win at Ascot on Wednesday.
Seven days after destroying her opposition with ease last week, Temptacion backed up and produced a similar performance to win the Autumn Ascot Racing Carnival Is Coming Handicap (1800m).
Bought for $300,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling sale, Temptacion posted her third career win and is beginning to live up to her hefty price tag after she suffered a shock defeat at York two starts back.
Temptacion delivered the Morton stable with a timely morale boost with stable star Elite Street looking to end a disappointing interstate campaign in Friday’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Vince Collica, deputising for Morton, said Temptacion’s win validated her going to the WA Oaks in a fortnight.
“That was super, absolutely impressive,” Collica said.
“I didn’t think she was going to be that soft on the line.
“We’ll go to the Oaks after that, very impressive.”
Collica said he was confident Temptacion had the racing pattern that would enable her to run out a strong 2400m in the Oaks.
“It’s all unknown at the moment, but she relaxes so beautifully in running,” Collica said.
“That’s got to be a big tick in her favour.
“If she can produce a turn of foot like that she will be very very competitive.”
Temptacion, perfectly ridden by Chris Parnham, started at $3.10 and won by 2 ¼ lengths.
Settled in the second half of the field by Parnham, she unleashed a brilliant burst from the 200m and won from Marocchino with Admiral Promo third.
“Coming to the corner I thought she was bolting,” Collica said.
“A great ride the iceman Chris Parnham.
“Once she found a bit of room she let down like a good horse.”
Temptacion is $8.25 with Tabtouch for the WA Oaks.
Julio Santarelli