Australian Mare Asfoora Aims for Elusive Group One Victory at Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot, June 16, 2023 (Horse Racing News) – The five-year-old Australian mare Asfoora is set to make her Royal Ascot debut on the opening day of the prestigious racing festival, as her connections hope she can secure her first career Group One victory.
Asfoora’s Stellar Career and Ascot Aspirations
Asfoora, trained by Melbourne-based horseman Matthew Dwyer, has enjoyed a stellar career in her homeland, winning numerous Group Two and Three contests. However, the top-tier success that has eluded her thus far remains the primary target as she embarks on her UK campaign.
The daughter of Australian Group One winner Flying Artie made the trip to Britain just over two months ago and produced a creditable fourth-place finish in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, finishing just two and three-quarter lengths behind the winner Kerdos.
That run served as the starting point for a busy summer schedule, with the mare set to compete at Goodwood, York, and the Curragh before her main objective – the King Charles III Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot.
Dwyer’s Confidence and Jockey Change
Speaking from Asfoora’s temporary base in Newmarket, Dwyer expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Royal meeting, where he hopes the mare can become the eighth Australian-trained winner.
“We had the initial idea 14-16 months ago when she won a couple of 1,000m races at Caulfield,” Dwyer said. “We thought we would come over and give it a good shot. There’s nothing in Australia, so she would’ve been sat in the paddock there.”
Dwyer is confident that the depth of the five-furlong division in the UK this year presents a favorable opportunity for Asfoora to break through at the top level, with regular rider Mitchell Aitken making way for three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy.
“Oisin Murphy is booked to ride at Ascot,” Dwyer added. “He came out and galloped her on Tuesday here. He was happy with what he felt and saw, and he’s looking forward to riding her, and we are looking forward to having him on.”
Anticipation for the Royal Ascot Experience
The Australian handler, who has attended Royal Ascot on previous occasions, is eagerly anticipating the unique atmosphere and pageantry of the event, which he believes will provide an unforgettable experience for both himself and his large contingent of owners, family, and friends making the trip from Down Under.
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