3 minute read
Asfoora has recorded a quick time in her winning return at Sandown.
Trainer Henry Dwyer has bigger plans for Asfoora after the mare made a successful return to racing at Sandown.
Asfoora streaked away from her opponents in the 50 Year Life Member Victor Mudge (1000m) to break the class record, running a time of 56.44 seconds.
Sent out the $2.70 favourite under Mitchell Aitken, Asfoora defeated Galenus ($6) by 3-¾ lengths with Nasraawy ($13) a half-length away third.
Dwyer said he was relieved to see Asfoora come back from her a spell to win in the style she did.
Asfoora was successful at her first three starts before winding up her first preparation running third behind Argentia in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in February.
"The thing about her last time in, she ran super times, virtually every start she had," Dwyer said.
"Seeing her back, it's more of a relief today.
"When you think they've got really good ability, you're expecting to come to the races and win and when they don't, you're gutted, but when they do its relief, more than an exciting situation."
Following Wednesday's return victory, Dwyer has mapped out a stakes race program for the daughter of Flyer Artie.
The Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) on October 15 followed by the Group 3 Furphy Sprint (1100m) at Flemington on October 29 have attracted Dwyer's attention while longer term the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield next autumn could be on the agenda.
"We'll probably head down a similar path with this mare as we did with Snitty Kitty who won the Caulfield Sprint on Caulfield Cup Day," Dwyer said.
"It will be perfect for this mare as it's a quality handicap whereas most of the other races are set weights and penalties and she'll get in on the minimum.
"The 1000 metres around Caulfield looks ideal and we've always thought of her as maybe an Oakleigh Plate chance in the autumn with 52 or 52.5 kilos.
"That would be the long-term goal, but I reckon we can get three or four runs out of her in the spring with the Caulfield Sprint and maybe the Furphy Sprint on Derby Day being logical targets."
How's the turn of foot on Asfoora @HDwyerRacing @AitkenMitch @MelbRacingClub pic.twitter.com/4B2aBZSVQN
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 7, 2022
