Asfoora faces wide draw challenge in Royal Ascot opener

Australian sprint star Asfoora will need to overcome a wide barrier if she is to claim a second victory in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday night.

The Henry Dwyer-trained mare has drawn barrier 26 for the prestigious 1000m sprint, placing her on the grandstand side of Ascot’s famous straight course.

Asfoora captured the race in 2024 and returns this year seeking to add a second King Charles III Stakes to her record after finishing fifth in last year’s edition.

Fellow Australian Group 1 winner Overpass heads betting for the race and has also drawn wide, landing barrier 19.

The Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter will again be partnered by Josh Parr as he attempts to deliver Australia another Royal Ascot success.

One of the more intriguing runners is Starlust, the Grade 1-winning son of Zoustar who stood at Riverstone Lodge in the Hunter Valley during the most recent breeding season.

Starlust has drawn barrier five and is rated a $41 chance in early markets.

Champion Australian sire Zoustar is also represented by Mgheera, who has secured barrier two for trainer Ed Walker and jockey Kieran Shoemark.

The six-year-old mare is raced by Lord Lloyd Webber in partnership with Yarraman Park principal Arthur Mitchell.

French-trained sprinter Rayevka, a daughter of former Darley shuttle stallion Blue Point, is the early second favourite at $7.

The Wathnan Racing-owned Night Raider sits close behind in betting at $8 as the powerful ownership group looks to continue its recent success on the Royal Ascot stage.

With several Australian influences throughout the field, Tuesday’s King Charles III Stakes shapes as another fascinating international sprint contest.

For the latest Royal Ascot markets and previews, check out the leading betting sites australia for odds, form and race-day coverage.