The highly anticipated Grand Final Day is fast approaching for Asfoora, and trainer Henry Dwyer anticipates a superior performance from his seasoned mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the opening day at Royal Ascot.
The seven-year-old Flying Artie progeny, who secured a Group 1 sprint victory over 1005 metres at Royal Ascot two years prior, is aiming to rebound after two unplaced efforts to commence what is expected to be her final racing campaign.
Following a tenth-place finish in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes (1005m) at Newmarket on May 2, Asfoora concluded the field of twelve in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (1005m) at Haydock three weeks later. However, Dwyer indicated that she has benefited from these outings and will be fitted with blinkers this week.
“She’s had the two runs back and is certainly much fitter now,” Dwyer stated.
“She looks well and with the blinkers going on we are hoping she can turn her form around on Tuesday.”
Asfoora has drawn barrier 26 in the field of 26 for the straight course race, scheduled to commence at 12.40am AEST on Wednesday.
The other Australian contender, Overpass, will start not far from Asfoora, having drawn gate 19.
Overpass leads the betting at $3.40, followed by French mare Rayevka (barrier 15), Temple Stakes victor Night Raider (six), reigning champion American Affair (18), and Coolmore’s three-year-old Mission Central (24). These are the only runners shorter in the odds than Asfoora, who is currently priced at $10.
Asfoora and American Affair, the winner of last year’s King Charles III Stakes where Asfoora finished fifth, are aiming to join the elite group of twelve horses that have won the King Charles III Stakes on multiple occasions.
Historical precedents for multiple wins include Equiano (2008/10), Elbio (1991/93), Hornet’s Beauty (1911/13), and Woolsthorpe (1895/97), all achieving this feat in non-consecutive years.
Post last year’s King Charles III Stakes, Asfoora went on to claim the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York and the Group 1 Prix De L’abbeye (1000m) at Longchamp. While Dwyer acknowledges the nearing end of her international racing career, he is already making plans for her post-racing life.
The Ballarat-based trainer recently obtained his UK license and has two European-trained gallopers set to compete under his name later in the week. The Ten Sovereigns colt Synners Kid is slated to run in the Britannia Stakes on Thursday, while the Kodiac filly Kochella will make her second appearance in the Group 3 Albany Stakes the following day.
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