Aussie sprinter primed for biggest run of the preparation this weekend
Asfoora is poised to run the best race of her 2025 European campaign this weekend at York after receiving the tick of approval from trainer Henry Dwyer following her final piece of work.
The Australian sprinter will contest the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m), which will be run at 12.35am Saturday, Australian time.
It will be the third run of the campaign, following a fifth placing in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17 before a 2-1/4-length seventh in the King George Stakes at Goodwood on August 1.
Dwyer was thrilled with how she has come through those races and was buoyed by how she looked after overseeing her final gallop at Newmarket on Tuesday morning, UK time.
“I couldn’t be any happier with her, no excuses this week,” Dwyer said.
“We obviously ran a good race at Ascot, when she was beaten two lengths, but just didn’t think she was anywhere near the mark, looks-wise or fitness-wise.
“She came through that well, had a little break (and) we went to Goodwood with a bit of optimism.
“I thought she’d improved a fair bit, but we were hamstrung a little bit by the weather, the rain and the track condition, but I think she’s really, really peaked now (and) come out of that run well.
“(She) just had a nice little breeze up this morning and very happy with where she is leading into Friday.
“I’d be shocked if she didn’t prove highly competitive.”
English bookmakers have Asfoora an $8 chance in the Nunthorpe Stakes, in which she finished fourth, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, last year.
Ahead of her in the market are pre-final-field favourite Lady Iman, a two-year-old who has had six starts for five wins and a second, and Commonwealth Cup runner-up Arizona Blaze, while King George Stakes winner Jm Jungle is also among the nominations.
