Flying Artie’s Royal Ascot heroine Asfoora returned to Australian tracks at Morphettville on Saturday and was straight to the winner’s circle, taking the Group III Sportsbet R N Irwin Stakes (1100m).
She’d not been seen in Australia since last March when fourth, beaten less than a length in the Group I Galaxy, after which trainer Henry Dwyer took her to Europe for what was ultimately a four-start campaign.
The crowning achievement of that was obviously victory in the Group I King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot with two runs following, the latest a fourth in the Group I Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August.
With Dwyer admitting he’d had some reservations about how she would return it turned out to be no concern with Mitch Aitken parking her on the rails behind the leader and she loomed large upon straightening and was too good beating Sghirripa (Lonhro) by a neck with Climbing Star (Zoustar) third.
“It was a lovely ride by Mitch and just great to have her back in winning form,” said Dwyer.
“You're always a little bit nervous when you haven't seen her for six months.
“We thought she looked terrific and she was going well, but they've just got to be a bit rusty, you'd think. And when they've had so much travel and so much go on in their life, you always wonder whether they come back, particularly a mare.
“They switch off pretty quick when they switch off. But signs are good now.
“She’s got a big challenge trying to get 1200 next time, but she's certainly got a bit of improvement in her too. So, fingers crossed she can do it.”
Bred by Noor Elaine Farm and retained to race after she was passed in when offered for sale at the 2020 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Asfoora is the first foal of placed I Am Invincible mare Golden Child, who comes from the family of Group III winner Big Chill and stakes-winners Hard Stride and Utah Saints.
Henry Dwyer has signed for all three yearlings offered at sales since Asfoora with the latest being $140,000 for a Dirty Work colt at Inglis Premier.
Golden Child foaled a full sister to Asfoora last year and to the surprise of nobody returned to Flying Artie.
