Asfoora peaking for the 2025 Nunthorpe Stakes
Asfoora is set to make her third appearance of the European summer when she tackles the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York this weekend, with trainer Henry Dwyer declaring her in the best shape of her campaign.
The mare will contest the feature sprint at 12.35am Saturday, Australian time, having already run fifth in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17 before finishing seventh in the Group 2 King George Stakes at Goodwood on August 1.
Dwyer, who watched her final hit-out at Newmarket on Tuesday morning, said the signs were all positive heading into York.
“I couldn’t be any happier with her, no excuses this week,” Dwyer said.
“We obviously ran a good race at Ascot, when she was beaten two lengths, but just didn’t think she was anywhere near the mark, looks-wise or fitness-wise.
“She came through that well, had a little break (and) we went to Goodwood with a bit of optimism.
“I thought she’d improved a fair bit, but we were hamstrung a little bit by the weather, the rain and the track condition, but I think she’s really, really peaked now (and) come out of that run well.
“(She) just had a nice little breeze up this morning and very happy with where she is leading into Friday.
“I’d be shocked if she didn’t prove highly competitive.”
Currently an $8 chance with English bookmakers, Asfoora will take on a strong field including Lady Iman, Arizona Blaze, and King George Stakes winner Jm Jungle. She finished fourth in the Nunthorpe 12 months ago, just 1-1/4 lengths from victory.
Punters keen to get behind Asfoora in the Nunthorpe Stakes can find markets and offers through leading Australian betting sites.
More Racing News
Blake Shinn's comeback continues with Flemington jump-outs appearance
Jockey Blake Shinn is set to reach a significant milestone in his recovery journey as he prepares to ride at the Flemington jump-outs on Friday.The Lindsay Park team, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, has booked Shinn to ride War Machine on Friday, and he also has four other...
Cold Brew defying his quirks to rack up wins
Trainer Will Freedman conceded that Cold Brew frequently errs during his races but manages to secure victories despite his tendencies."I don't know if the penny will ever drop with him, it certainly hasn't dropped yet,'' Freedman said. "But he obviously has good ability and he should be hard to beat...
Miraval Rose's early spring campaign begins at Caulfield
The Grahame Begg stable is set to commence an early spring campaign by utilising a late-season weight-for-age contest.Miraval Rose is scheduled to compete in the 1100-metre Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, marking her return to the track since her fourth-place finish in the Group 2...
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...