Overpass ran with courage and Asfoora showed competitiveness, but the Australian sprinters ultimately proved not quite good enough in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Irish conditioner Aidan O’Brien’s charge, Mission Central, was an outstanding winner and has now entered the discussion for a start in the $20 million The Everest, set to take place at Randwick on October 17.

Mission Central wins the King Charles III Stakes with Overpass placing 3rd! 👏 pic.twitter.com/2W7kHbb4Mc

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 16, 2026

If Mission Central is destined for Sydney, it could lead to another clash with Overpass, who finished a close third at Royal Ascot.

“Overpass has gone amazing,” trainer Bjorn Baker said. “You dream about coming here and competing and he has gone great for myself, Darby Racing and the owners.

“He had no peace during the race and has gone great, I am very proud of him.

“He is not a champion but he is our champion.”

Jockey Josh Parr did not offer excuses for the defeat, although he did explain the reason Overpass was not its typical explosive self from the starting gates.

“He didn’t get the breakaway he usually gets,” Parr stated.

“We were unable to have an attendant with us and stay with us (in the barriers) and it was just enough to put him off and take away from his concentration.

“So he stepped away a half length slower than usual and we weren’t able to break away into clear air, we were dictated to by horses either side of us.

“It was a really brave performance but to be so close leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.”

Parr did, however, describe the experience of riding at Royal Ascot as “second to none.”

“I struggle to put into words how exciting it has been,” Parr conveyed.

Baker indicated that consideration would be given to potentially backing up Overpass in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot on Saturday.

“It’s a possibility he could back up,” Baker confirmed. “The next few hours will be crucial to see how he has come through the race.

“But he has had a hard run today, he’s tried very hard and he did Australia proud.”

Asfoora, the winner of the King Charles III Stakes two years prior, had experienced difficulties in England this season. Nevertheless, with the blinkers restored, she produced an improved run to finish seventh.

Trainer Henry Dwyer mentioned that Asfoora has an entry for the July Cup at Newmarket, though he conceded the mare is not as well-suited at the 1200m distance.

“She will be going home to go to stud at some stage soon,” Dwyer noted.

“There is a 1000m race at Goodwood (King George Stakes) in six weeks but it’s a matter she is booked on a return flight to Australia.”

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