Despite running bravely, Overpass and Asfoora were unable to secure victory for Australia in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge, Mission Central, was the standout winner and has now positioned itself as a contender for the $20 million The Everest, scheduled for October 17 at Randwick.

Mission Central wins the King Charles III Stakes with Overpass placing 3rd! 👏 pic.twitter.com/2W7kHbb4Mc

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 16, 2026

Should Mission Central make the trip to Sydney, a potential rematch with Overpass, who finished a close third, could occur.

“Overpass has gone amazing,” trainer Bjorn Baker stated. “You dream about coming here and competing and he has gone great for myself, Darby Racing and the owners.

“He had no peace during the race and has gone great, I am very proud of him.

“He is not a champion but he is our champion.”

Jockey Josh Parr did not attribute the defeat to excuses, though he did reveal why Overpass wasn’t as sharp from the barriers as usual.

“He didn’t get the breakaway he usually gets,” Parr commented.

“We were unable to have an attendant with us and stay with us (in the barriers) and it was just enough to put him off and take away from his concentration.

“So he stepped away a half length slower than usual and we weren’t able to break away into clear air, we were dictated to by horses either side of us.

“It was a really brave performance but to be so close leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.”

Parr, nevertheless, described the experience of riding at Royal Ascot as “second to none.”

“I struggle to put into words how exciting it has been,” Parr added.

Baker indicated that the team would evaluate the possibility of Overpass competing again in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot on Saturday.

“It’s a possibility he could back up,” Baker said. “The next few hours will be crucial to see how he has come through the race.

“But he has had a hard run today, he’s tried very hard and he did Australia proud.”

Asfoora, a two-time winner of the King Charles III Stakes, had encountered difficulties in England this year. However, with blinkers back on, she ran an improved race to finish seventh.

Trainer Henry Dwyer mentioned that Asfoora is entered for the July Cup at Newmarket, though he admitted the mare is less suited to 1200m.

“She will be going home to go to stud at some stage soon,” Dwyer said.

“There is a 1000m race at Goodwood (King George Stakes) in six weeks but it’s a matter she is booked on a return flight to Australia.”

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