Overpass demonstrated bravery and Asfoora was competitive, but ultimately the Australian sprinters fell short in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s charge, Mission Central, delivered an exceptional performance to claim victory, positioning itself as a potential contender for the lucrative $20 million The Everest, scheduled for October 17 at Randwick.
Mission Central wins the King Charles III Stakes with Overpass placing 3rd! 👏 pic.twitter.com/2W7kHbb4Mc
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 16, 2026
Should Mission Central be directed to Sydney, a rematch with Overpass, who secured a close third at Royal Ascot, could be on the cards.
“Overpass has gone amazing,” trainer Bjorn Baker stated. “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 offered no excuses despite revealing the reason Overpass did not display its usual explosive start from the barriers.
“He didn’t get the breakaway he usually gets,” Parr said.
“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.”
However, Parr described the Royal Ascot riding experience as “second to none.”
“I struggle to put into words how exciting it has been,” Parr commented.
Baker indicated that the possibility of Overpass backing up in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot on Saturday would be considered.
“It’s a possibility he could back up,” Baker said. “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 victor of the King Charles III Stakes two years prior, had faced challenges in England this season, but with the blinkers reinstated, she delivered an improved seventh-place finish.
Trainer Henry Dwyer mentioned that Asfoora holds an entry for the July Cup at Newmarket, though he acknowledged the mare is less suited to the 1200m distance.
“She will be going home to go to stud at some stage soon,” Dwyer remarked.
“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.”
For those interested in the upcoming racing action, exploring the available Australian betting sites can provide valuable insights into the odds and markets.