Henry Dwyer remains optimistic that star sprinter Asfoora can return to the winner’s circle in Europe despite finishing unplaced at Goodwood overnight. The talented mare, who claimed last year’s King Charles III Stakes, finished seventh in the Group 2 King George Stakes (1005m), taken out by $15 outsider Jm Jungle.

Partnered by leading jockey Oisin Murphy, Asfoora settled at the rear of the field in the straight-course contest run on rain-affected ground. She made a strong move along the inside rail at the 400m mark but faded late to finish 2¼ lengths behind the winner.

Dwyer said the daughter of Flying Artie, who finished runner-up in last year’s King George Stakes, would benefit from the run and is hoping for a firmer surface in the upcoming Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York on August 23.

“It was a good effort, but she just got bogged down in the soft ground,” Dwyer said. “Oisin reported that she felt terrific and wasn’t beaten for fitness. It was simply tough to make ground in those conditions.”

“She made up good ground between the two and one-furlong poles but felt the pinch late. We knew this was going to be a challenge, but it was a respectable run, and we’re confident she’ll be better suited in upcoming races.”

The King George Stakes was Asfoora’s second run in England this campaign following a fifth-place finish in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. After the Nunthorpe, Dwyer is weighing up options that include the Group 1 The Flying Five (1005m) in Ireland or the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye (1000m) at Longchamp during Arc De Triomphe weekend in France.