Though Asfoora did not reach the same level she had done when winning at Royal Ascot, for a horse that most had written off as a probable ‘also ran’ before that, her fourth-placing since at York may have been as much about the starting price than anything else.
Henry Dwyer has ridden through his extraordinary past couple of months with an open mind continued grounding his thoughts after the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1000m) was won by the now two-time winner at the highest level, Bradsell ($4).
Beaten by three other horses at least two-years younger than her, the six-year-old Asfoora ($2.50 favourite) ridden by Oisin Murphy took time to make an impression over the short course and peaked soon after.
“He (Murphy) sort of made mention that the track is suitable firmness-wise, but it just feels like after three days of racing it’s quite chopped out and he just didn’t feel like she got traction,” Dwyer said.
“Everyone’s probably looking for excuses, we’re probably looking for excuses, but that was what he was hanging his hat on to an extent.
“She couldn’t quite go and the story of the last 50 (metres) was pretty plain anyway.”
Bradsell was well supported and he proved too good in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes! Aussie speedster Asfoora finished back in 4th. pic.twitter.com/Nfe1lblWvp
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 23, 2024
Dwyer felt that the mare may not have come on as well since her second-placing in the Group 2 King George Stakes (1000m) at Goodwood earlier in August.
“It’s hard to sort of arrest things unless we’ve got a genuine excuse, and we won’t know if there’s a genuine excuse for the next couple of days,” he added.
For now, Dwyer will be digging deeper to find those answers and has all but ruled out a US adventure to the Breeders’ Cup meeting.
“I would have thought if there was an option we might go to Ireland for the Flying Five Stakes at Curragh next month (Group 1, 1000m).” he said.
“But if anything comes out of the run and we’re not happy with her, she’ll be going home for sure.
“She’s run well – she was 6/4 favourite, and you like to see those ones win but she didn’t so we’re probably a little bit disappointed, but it’s not as if she’s run tenth.”