Trainer Henry Dwyer says he is far from discouraged by Asfoora’s unplaced run at Goodwood and believes the mare remains on track for more European success. The five-year-old, last year’s King Charles III Stakes winner, finished seventh in the Group 2 King George Stakes (1005m), which was won by Jm Jungle at odds of $15.
Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Asfoora settled at the tail of the field in the straight-track dash on soft going. She loomed strongly along the inside rail at the 400m before tiring late to be beaten just over two lengths.
Dwyer believes the testing ground was a key factor and is hopeful of firmer footing in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York on August 23. “It was a solid run, but she just got bogged down a bit,” he said. “Oisin said she felt fantastic and didn’t lack fitness, but it was near impossible to make up ground today.”
“From the two-furlong to one-furlong mark she picked up beautifully, but she felt the pinch in the final stages. We always knew this was going to be a big ask, so we’re very encouraged by the run heading into more suitable races.”
The King George Stakes was Asfoora’s second start in her current UK campaign, having previously finished fifth in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. Following the Nunthorpe, possible targets include the Group 1 The Flying Five (1005m) in Ireland or the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye (1000m) at Longchamp on Arc De Triomphe weekend.