Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.
The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1 sprint at Royal Ascot two years ago, is seeking a return to form after two unplaced runs to commence what is highly likely to be her final campaign.
Following her tenth-place finish in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes (1005m) at Newmarket on May 2, Asfoora finished last of twelve competitors in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (1005m) at Haydock three weeks subsequently. However, Dwyer indicated that she has gained fitness from these recent starts and will have blinkers applied this week.
"She's had the two runs back and is certainly much fitter now," Dwyer remarked.
"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 from a full field of 26 for the straight-track race, which is scheduled to run at 12.40am AEST on Wednesday.
The other Australian representative is Overpass, who will start in close proximity to Asfoora, having drawn gate 19.
Overpass is the current favourite at $3.40, with French mare Rayevka (barrier 15), Temple Stakes winner Night Raider (six), defending champion American Affair (18), and Coolmore's three-year-old Mission Central (24) being the only others shorter in the odds than Asfoora, who is a $10 outsider.
Asfoora and American Affair, the victor of last year's King Charles III Stakes when Asfoora finished fifth, are both aiming to join the distinguished list of 12 horses that have clinched the King Charles III Stakes on multiple occasions.
The horses to have achieved this in non-consecutive years are Equiano (2008/10), Elbio (1991/93), Hornet's Beauty (1911/13), and Woolsthorpe (1895/97).
Asfoora went on to capture the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York and the Group 1 Prix De L'abbeye (1000m) at Longchamp following her appearance in last year's King Charles III Stakes. While Dwyer is aware that her international racing journey is drawing to a close, he is already making arrangements for her post-racing future.
The Ballarat horseman recently received his UK licensing and has two European gallopers slated to compete under his name later in the week. Ten Sovereigns' colt Synners Kid is set to run in the Britannia Stakes on Thursday, with Kodiac's filly Kochella to make her second start in the Group 3 Albany Stakes the following day.
Explore the latest racing odds and betting markets for the race at racing betting markets.
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