Henry Dwyer expects Asfoora to be a formidable contender in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood as she aims to build on her Royal Ascot success. The five-year-old, who followed in the footsteps of other Australian winners, stayed in Newmarket over the summer while Dwyer returned to Australia.
Dwyer was pleased with Asfoora’s condition upon his recent return, noting, “She’s in great order and has settled in well. The good weather and time in the paddock have really benefited her. She now looks outstanding.”
Asfoora will face several of the same rivals from Ascot, including Big Evs, and Dwyer is hopeful she will perform well on a track that he believes suits her even better than Ascot.
Big Evs, who won the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood last year, is in good form according to trainer Mick Appleby. He anticipates a strong performance, provided the ground conditions are favourable.
Believing, who finished fourth in both the King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, has since won the Group Two Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh. Her connections are optimistic about her chances, despite the competitive field.
Clive Cox’s Kerdos, a Temple Stakes winner, will compete, but stablemate Jasour is out due to a gallops’ accident. Czech runner Ponntos returns for a third attempt at the prize after recent Group-race successes in France. Starlust and Nunthorpe winner Live In The Dream, ridden by Jason Hart, are also among the competitive entries.