Asfoora, the Australian star sprinter, finished fourth in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York, raising questions about her future. The daughter of Flying Artie has been a hit since making her journey from Down Under, claiming the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot before narrowly going down to Big Evs at Goodwood earlier this month.
The Group One contest on the Knavesmire was billed as round three between the six-year-old mare and Mick Appleby’s charge, but it did not live up to expectations, as Asfoora finished fourth and Big Evs came home eighth.
Asfoora's Performance Raises Concerns
Trainer Henry Dwyer expressed concerns about Asfoora's performance in the Nunthorpe Stakes. He admitted that he will consider all options, including returning to Australia, after his stable star crossed the line a length and a quarter behind winner Bradsell.
Dwyer stated that jockey Oisin Murphy had mentioned the track's condition, which was chopped out after three days of racing. However, Dwyer also suggested that Asfoora's performance could indicate that she may be reaching her peak and on the way down.
“We’ll have a think about things and see what we do going forward. Whether she’s reached her peak and is on the way down, or whether she didn’t like the track, I’m not sure.”
Dwyer’s comments come after Asfoora’s performance in the Nunthorpe Stakes raised questions about her ability to compete at the highest level. The mare has been a consistent performer in recent years, but her recent performance suggests that she may not be the same force she once was.
The Flying Five and the Breeders' Cup Remain in Play
Despite the concerns, Dwyer has not ruled out Asfoora running in the Flying Five at the Curragh next month. However, he has admitted that if anything comes out of the Nunthorpe run that he is not happy with, Asfoora will be sent home to Australia.
“I wouldn’t be thinking we’ll be going to the Breeders’ Cup, I’d be thinking if there was an option, we might go to Ireland for the Flying Five, but if anything comes out of the run and we’re not happy with her, she’ll be going home for sure.”
Asfoora's future is uncertain, but Dwyer's comments suggest that the mare may be nearing the end of her career. If she does not perform well in the Flying Five, it is likely that she will be sent back to Australia. The Breeders' Cup, which was once a possibility, now seems unlikely.
Believing Continues to Impress
While Asfoora's future is uncertain, there are other horses that are showing their potential. Believing, trained by George Boughey, continued to impress with a strong second-place finish in the Nunthorpe Stakes.
The daughter of Mehmas has been a consistent performer at the highest level this season, finishing fourth in the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. She then went on to win the Group Two Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh before finishing fourth in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood earlier this month.
Boughey is targeting the Flying Five for Believing next month, and he is confident that she can continue to compete at the highest level.
“I’m just delighted,” Boughey said. “As I said before, she was probably on the wrong side (of the draw), credit to Archie’s horse, very fast horse. I think the form upheld from last year. She just gets a bit outpaced at that crucial point and nothing really took her into the race properly. Lovely ride from Ryan (Moore, jockey), she was getting there with each stride. She will head to the Flying Five (at the Curragh), that’s been the plan for a long time and very proud. She’s dancing every dance. Hopefully she pops up at some point, but credit to Archie and their team, Sheikh Nasser and Fawzi (Nass) and everyone there. They have a very good horse.”
Starlust Climbs the Ranks
Ralph Beckett believes that course knowledge was key to Starlust clinching third place in the Nunthorpe Stakes. The three-year-old has had three previous career starts at York in his short career, finishing second on his sole outing here as a juvenile. He won a competitive handicap in May before landing the Listed City Walls Stakes two months later.
Beckett has already lined up another trip to the Yorkshire track for the son of Zoustar.
“Thrilled with him, terrific effort,” the Kipton Downs handler said of his charge. “He’s a big horse, he’s gonna get bigger and stronger as he gets older, so one to look forward to. He’s climbed the ranks, he’s ever consistent, loves it here. That’s a significant factor and hopefully we will be back here this time next year.”
The Future of Asfoora and Other Horses
Asfoora's future is uncertain, but her performance in the Nunthorpe Stakes has raised questions about her ability to compete at the highest level. Dwyer's comments suggest that the mare may be nearing the end of her career. If she does not perform well in the Flying Five, it is likely that she will be sent back to Australia.
However, other horses are showing their potential. Believing, trained by George Boughey, continued to impress with a strong second-place finish in the Nunthorpe Stakes. She is a horse to watch in the future.
Starlust, trained by Ralph Beckett, also performed well in the Nunthorpe Stakes, finishing third. He is a horse that is likely to continue to climb the ranks in the coming years.
The Nunthorpe Stakes was a thrilling race, and it was a great showcase for some of the best horses in the world. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Asfoora and the other horses that competed in the race.
