Morphettville
Race 7 – Asfoora
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1100m – Barrier 3
Group-1 winning mare Asfoora returns to the races today, first-up since an outstanding European campaign came to a close in August. The six-year-old daughter of Flying Artie thrived in the Northern Hemisphere, victorious in the Group-1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, arguably unlucky not to pick up another win in a fantastic preparation that placed her name firmly on the world’s elite sprinting map. Regular hoop Mitch Aitken hops back on and leaves from gate three today, able to find a position in the front half of the field before letting down in the home straight, in the mare’s first Australian run in over a year.
Speed is drawn towards the outside with Sir Sway and Press Down to roll forward, while expect Miss Chrissie to go fast from the extreme outside and challenge for the top in the early parts. Aviatress draws the inside and should receive a soft trail behind the leaders, coming here off a strong first-up win in Listed grade last start. A repeat effort sees her right in this. Sir Sway was runner-up behind Aviatress, following a first-up win the start prior. Best runs are when fresh but must be considered an each way chance. So too Sghirripa, who comes back from Group-1 company, and Climbing Star, who goes well first-up.
Asfoora looked good in a recent jumpout and draws for a lovely run throughout today. She has bigger targets in mind but is well treated at weight for age conditions. Can get her preparation off to a winning start here.
Currently, Asfoora is a $3.20 chance in the market.