Grand Final Day is fast approaching for Asfoora, and trainer Henry Dwyer is forecasting an improved performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on Day 1 at Royal Ascot.
The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who captured the 1005-metre Group 1 sprint at Royal Ascot two years ago, is aiming to bounce back after two unplaced runs to kick off what will most likely be her final campaign.
After finishing tenth in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes (1005m) at Newmarket on May 2, Asfoora trailed the field of 12 in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (1005m) at Haydock three weeks later. However, Dwyer confirmed she has benefited from those runs and will be fitted with blinkers this week.
“She’s had the two runs back and is certainly much fitter now,” Dwyer commented.
“She looks well and with the blinkers going on we are hoping she can turn her form around on Tuesday.”
Asfoora drew barrier 26 for the full field of 26 in the straight-track race that will be run at 12.40am AEST Wednesday.
The other Australian representative is Overpass, who will be positioned not too far from Asfoora at the start, having drawn gate 19.
Overpass heads the betting at $3.40 from French mare Rayevka (barrier 15), Temple Stakes winner Night Raider (six), defending champion American Affair (18), and Coolmore’s three-year-old Mission Central (24). These are the only runners with shorter odds than Asfoora, who is a $10 chance.
Asfoora and American Affair, last year’s King Charles III Stakes winner when Asfoora placed fifth, are both striving to join the 12 horses that have won the King Charles III Stakes on multiple occasions.
Equiano (2008/10), Elbio (1991/93), Hornet’s Beauty (1911/13), and Woolsthorpe (1895/97) are the horses to have achieved this in non-consecutive years.
Asfoora went on to win the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York and the Group 1 Prix De L’abbeye (1000m) at Longchamp following last year’s King Charles III Stakes. While Dwyer understands her international odyssey is nearing its conclusion, he is already making plans for her post-racing career.
The Ballarat horseman was recently licensed in the UK and has two European gallopers scheduled to run in his name later in the week. Ten Sovereigns’ colt Synners Kid will compete in the Britannia Stakes on Thursday, with Kodiac’s filly Kochella to make her second start in the Group 3 Albany Stakes the following day.
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