Ascot
Race 8 – Asfoora
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 12
Star sprinting mare Asfoora tackles the inaugural running of Perth’s The Quokka today, stepping out to 1200-metres for just the second time in her racing career. The speedy daughter of Flying Artie was excellent fresh in the Group-1 Oakleigh Plate where she finished third before a luckless fourth in The Galaxy four weeks ago, also at Group-1 level. The latter was a horror watch for connections, the four-year-old held up when looking for a run and only finding clear air when the race was over. She hit the line hard once clear and gave every indication that she’s looking for the six furlongs today, along with a change of fortune. Jockey Mitch Aitken has been backed to get the job done but has drawn awkwardly in gate twelve, needing every inch of the long run to the turn to find an ideal forward position on the mare. There is plenty of early speed in this with Uncommon James and Red Can Man, drawing either side of Asfoora, looking to roll forward and be prominent. Massimo will kick-up from his inside draw and hold these out, meaning Aitken will need his share of luck to avoid being posted wide throughout the trip. Boom local filly has been a drifting favourite in the race since drawing the outside barrier. She’ll stay out of the speed battle and if Pat Carbery can find cover somewhere around midfield, she’ll be mighty hard to hold out. Bella Nipotina has been within a length of Group-1 success twice this preparation and is racing in great heart. Drawn to get all the favours today and must be considered a leading chance. Uncommon James has followed the same path as Asfoora this preparation, winning the Oakleigh Plate before running second in The Galaxy. His form cannot be ignored, but like a few of the top hopes needs his share of luck from a wide draw. Asfoora has been flying without luck this campaign and is unbeaten third-up. Her fete may be determined in the first 400-metres of the race from an awkward draw but with even luck, she’s right in the thick of this. A genuine winning hope.
Currently, Asfoora is an $11 chance in the market.