Ideally, Henry Dwyer would already have Asfoora settled in the UK as she prepares to defend her crown in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, but logistical hurdles have forced a change in plans.
Instead, the talented sprinter completed a solid 900m trial at Flemington on Friday, sharing the heat with Winnasedge and confirming her fitness ahead of the journey abroad.
Asfoora was fourth in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock on this same weekend last year before winning at Royal Ascot just weeks later. However, delayed flights following her recent Sangster Stakes run have complicated her schedule this time around.
“We were hoping to have her on a flight right after the Sangster,” Dwyer said. “We’ve had to hold off and adjust our approach. You can’t do much but take the flights that are available.”
Now set to travel via Sydney next week before her UK flight, Asfoora will face a 38 to 40-hour journey to her new base at Newmarket.
“She’ll go on Monday night or Tuesday morning, fly out Thursday, and it’s a long haul for any horse,” Dwyer said. “It’s not ideal, but we’re focused on keeping her fit and healthy.”
Friday’s trial served as an important fitness boost, with limited opportunity for work once she lands.
“We used this trial as a prep race, really,” Dwyer added. “She won’t be able to do much her first week over there. Hopefully we get in a gallop, but this was our key hit-out.”
Oisin Murphy, who partnered Asfoora at Royal Ascot last year, is in line to ride her again—pending commitments.
“He’s very keen, and right now it looks likely,” Dwyer said. “He’s confident there’s not much depth in the division, so fingers crossed it works out.”
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