"Asfoora Ready for Nunthorpe Showdown: Dwyer's Star in Peak Condition for York Sprint"
Henry Dwyer has Asfoora, the sprint queen, in top form as she prepares for the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.
Next on the agenda for the Royal Ascot heroine's British campaign is a trip to York. Her team is optimistic about building on her King Charles III Stakes victory at the summer showcase, following a recent close call at Goodwood.
The Australian star continues training rigorously in Newmarket, becoming a fixture at Amy Murphy's Southgate Stables. The five-year-old will complete one final workout on Monday morning before her quest for sprinting glory at Knavesmire.
Asfoora back on the track this morning @NewmarketGallop with a lovely 800m gallop under @lemosdesouza1 🇧🇷
Spot on for the G1 @coolmorestud Nunthorpe Stakes @yorkracecourse 23/8 ⏱️🍒🏇💨
🎥 @catelliott74 pic.twitter.com/mfwUYwDWKG
— Henry Dwyer Racing (@HDwyerRacing) August 13, 2024
'All the videos I've seen from the gallop the other morning looked tremendous,' said Dwyer.
'From all our metrics and data, she appears to be in peak condition, and I think she may have improved a bit since Goodwood.
'I think the travel has really calmed her, and this has reflected in her racing. She seems more mentally composed, allowing her to settle, relax, and reserve energy for the race's conclusion.
'She’s thriving, she’s eating voraciously, and maintaining her condition as a result. I truly believe she’s in the best possible shape, making me very excited about her upcoming race at York.'
At Goodwood, Asfoora was narrowly beaten by Mick Appleby's Breeders' Cup hero Big Evs, who turned the Ascot form around to win by a short head.
Nonetheless, Dwyer believes his filly showed great performance and looks forward to another competitive face-off with the son of Blue Point and his amiable team.
'Goodwood was always going to be a beneficial race for her,' said Dwyer. 'But with the penalty, the brief freshening-up post-Ascot, and – as demonstrated – the slight downhill course, she had some difficulty in the first half of the race.
Another amazing experience having Asfoora run @Goodwood_Races today. First class racing and fun in the most beautiful location one could imagine. Congrats to @MickApplebyUK and connections of Big Evs, we look forward to renewing the rivalry @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/KQRR6UjUNc
— Henry Dwyer Racing (@HDwyerRacing) August 3, 2024
'But if you remove those factors and she settled two lengths closer, she likely wins the race. So on a level track, assuming a good start and proper positioning, we should be tough to beat.
'It's a positive and healthy rivalry. Big Evs and Asfoora are closely matched – it's one-all between them – and it will be an exciting rematch.
'I had the chance to catch up with Paul (Teasdale) and Mick at Goodwood – we shared a beer afterwards and discussed the race. It was enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing them again at York.'
