Australian sprinting star Asfoora is in contention for another prestigious accolade, having been shortlisted for Europe’s champion sprinter at the Cartier Racing Awards, which will be announced on Wednesday.
The Ballarat-based six-year-old is one of four finalists for the honour, lining up alongside Arizona Blaze, Big Mojo and Lazzat on the final shortlist.
After winning the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, Asfoora returned to Europe this season with even greater success, claiming the Nunthorpe Stakes at York before adding the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp — making her the first Australian-trained horse to win in France.
Her pair of European Group 1 triumphs has placed the Henry Dwyer-trained mare firmly among the leading contenders for the region’s top sprinting prize.
The Cartier Racing Award is decided through a weighted mix of Group race points (30 per cent), expert opinions from journalists and handicappers (35 per cent) and a public vote (35 per cent).
Dwyer is heading to London for the ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel, taking the opportunity to visit Asfoora, who is currently spelling at Luca and Sara Cumani’s Fittocks Stud in Newmarket after staying on in Europe. She is halfway through a 10-week break, with plans already forming for a northern hemisphere return in late March or early April.
Australian Bloodstock’s stallion Al Riffa is also in the running at the Cartier Awards, shortlisted for the stayer title following victories in the Curragh Cup and the Irish St Leger, as well as his appearance in the Melbourne Cup earlier this month.
If you’re planning to follow or bet on any of Asfoora’s major European targets or the remaining races mentioned, consider using a trusted comparison guide such as this list of Australian betting sites for general information.