Each week, Daniel O’Sullivan provides a comprehensive analysis of the top performers from The Rating Bureau’s WFA Performance Ratings. This week, the spotlight shines on Tempted, who has announced herself as one of Australia’s premier sprinters with a commanding victory in the G2 Run To The Rose.
Tempted achieved a remarkable 104 rating, showcasing her ability to sprint off a strong pace set by Raging Force. Her performance not only outclassed her competitors but also placed her among the elite sprinters, with only Joliestar’s 105 in the Newmarket surpassing her in 2025. Other notable performances include Briasa’s 103.8 in the G1 TJ Smith and Private Harry’s 102.3 in the G1 Galaxy.
Rising Stars and Established Competitors
Autumn Boy also delivered an impressive performance, improving on his previous 97.4 peak to achieve a 100.4 rating in the G3 Ming Dynasty. Despite finishing second to his stablemate Sixties, his weight-adjusted rating suggests a promising future, particularly as he prepares for the Caulfield Guineas.
Meanwhile, Autumn Glow solidified her reputation as a future Group 1 contender with a 104 rating in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes. Her performance indicates potential for further success, especially with the upcoming G1 Epsom Handicap on the horizon.
Manaal, after a lackluster autumn, rebounded in the G2 Sheraco Stakes, matching her career peak with a 98.5 rating. This performance aligns with her previous success in the G1 Sires’ Produce as a two-year-old.
Mr Brightside: A Veteran’s Mastery
Mr Brightside demonstrated his prowess in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes, navigating a race with a slow tempo to secure his 10th Group 1 victory. Despite the challenging conditions, he achieved a 102 WFA Performance Rating, consistent with his best performances.
His final 600m sprint was the third-best of his career, highlighting his ability to excel even under less-than-ideal circumstances. The race also showcased the limitations faced by his competitors, with Antino’s +11.9 rating standing out.
Emerging Talent and Future Prospects
Juja Kibo capitalized on a better race position, achieving a new peak rating of 97. His performance underscores the importance of race positioning and suggests further potential for improvement.
Revelare secured a spot in the Melbourne Cup with a victory in the G3 Archer Stakes, raising his peak rating to 96.2. While his current ratings fall short of typical Cup contenders, his consistent performance and potential for growth make him a horse to watch.
Understanding WFA Performance Ratings
WFA Performance Ratings (WPRs) offer a standardized measure of horse performance, accounting for variables such as age, sex, distance, and time of year. These ratings consider key indicators like race times and weights carried, providing a comprehensive view of a horse’s capabilities.
As the racing season progresses, the performances of Tempted, Autumn Boy, and others will be closely monitored. Their successes not only highlight individual talent but also contribute to the dynamic landscape of Australian horse racing.
