Asfoora at Her ‘Peak’ as She Seeks Nunthorpe Redemption
Henry Dwyer insists Asfoora is “at her peak” as the Australian-trained sprinter bids for a first win of her European campaign this season in the Aug. 22 Nunthorpe Stakes (G1).
Regular jockey Oisin Murphy was booked to ride as 17 were declared for Friday’s group 1, which is the highlight on day 3 of the Ebor festival.
The 7-year-old has a point to prove having finished fourth when sent off a 6-4 favorite in this race last season, while she could only finish fifth when bidding to defend her crown in the King Charles III Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot in June.
Dwyer, who has been monitoring her training in Newmarket, admitted it had been a struggle to reach full fitness ahead of Ascot and blamed the easier surface for her subsequent defeat at Goodwood. Yet he said there would be no excuses on the Knavesmire.
“I couldn’t be happier with her and we have no excuses this week,” Dwyer said. “She ran a good race at Ascot when she was beaten two lengths but we didn’t think she was anywhere near the mark fitness-wise. We went to Goodwood with a bit of optimism but we were hamstrung by the weather and condition of the track.
“I think she’s peaked now and I’m very happy with her going into Friday. I’d be shocked if she didn’t prove highly competitive.”
A pair of 2-year-olds will bid to end an 18-year drought for juveniles in the group 1 sprint, with the Ger Lyons-trained Lady Iman the current favorite. Joe Fanning has been booked to ride and will carry just (112 pounds) aboard last month’s Molecomb Stakes winner. Spicy Marg, another Goodwood winner, will also line up.
Arizona Blaze heads the 3-year-old challenge after his strong performance in the Sapphire Stakes (G2) while last season’s Lowther Stakes (G2) winner Celandine and Sayidah Dariyan also feature. The latter is looking to give Richard Hughes a big sprint double after the 66-1 success of No Half Measures in the July Cup (G1).
Experienced sprinters Mgheera and She’s Quality add further class to the line-up, while course specialist Jm Jungle returns after his group-race breakthrough in the King George Stakes (G2) at Glorious Goodwood.
Elsewhere, Gold Cup winner Trawlerman will take on five rivals in the Lonsdale Cup Stakes (G2). Stablemate Sweet William will be among his rivals as will Shackleton , who will be Aidan O’Brien’s sole runner after Illinois was not declared.
The Nunthorpe Stakes is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In event for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T). As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for the winner of the Nunthorpe Stakes to start in the Turf Sprint. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships.
