Grand Final Day as almost arrived for Asfoora and Henry Dwyer is tipping 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 won the 1005-metre Group 1 sprint at Royal Ascot two years ago, is looking to bounce back after two unplaced runs to start what will most likely be her final campaign.
After finishing 10th in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes (1005m) at Newmarket on May 2, Asfoora finished last of 12 in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (1005m) at Haydock three weeks later, but Dwyer said she had taken benefit from those runs and will have the blinkers applied this week.
“She’s had the two runs back and is certainly much fitter now,” Dwyer said.
“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 field of 26 for the straight-track race that will be run at 12.40am AEST Wednesday.
The other Australian representative is Overpass, who won’t be too far from Asfoora at the start after drawing gate 19.
Overpass heads betting at $3.40 from French mare Rayevka (barrier 15), Temple Stakes winner Night Raider (six), defending champion American Affair (18) and Coolmore three-year-old Mission Central (24) the others shorter than Asfoora, who is a $10 chance.
Asfoora and American Affair, who won last year’s King Charles III Stakes when Asfoora finished fifth, are striving to join the 12 horses to win the King Charles III Stakes on multiple occasions.
Equiano (2008/10), Elbio (1991/93), Hornet’s Beauty (1911/13) and Woolsthorpe (1895/97) are those to have done so 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 after last year’s King Charles III Stakes and while Dwyer knows her international odyssey is coming to a close, he is already planning for life after her.
The Ballarat horseman was recently licensed in the UK and has two European gallopers that will run in his name later in the week.
Ten Sovereigns three-year-old Synners Kid will run in the Britannia Stakes on Thursday with Kodiac filly Kochella to have her second start in the Group 3 Albany Stakes the following day.
