Star sprinter Asfoora ticked the first box of her spring preparation with a first-up win in the Group-3 The McCafe Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. The four-year-old daughter of Flying Artie clinically accounted for her rivals over 1100-metres, continuing her love affair with the metropolitan track, where she now has three wins from four starts. Jockey Mitch Aitken rode a faultless race, letting speed influence Midwest cross from its wider gate, immediately switching to its outside to play the stalking role in the run. Asfoora travelled sweetly throughout, moving up to challenge at the furlong marker and taking over soon after. Aitken need only dish out one reminder with the shillelagh, the classy mare clearing out for a professional win by a length on the line. “Since she’s come back this preparation, she looks a million dollars”, the young hoop said post-race. “She’s definitely the horse I want to be on. She’s improved each preparation and I couldn’t be happier with her”.
Henry was matter of fact after the victory. “It was important to come back and win today”, he said, after referencing the near misses of last preparation. “She needs to step up and I think she has a bit this prep.
“Carrying 57kg against some pretty decent sprinters, and being first-up with a bit of improvement to come, I think it augers well for what’s ahead”.
What’s ahead is a date in the Group-1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday 29th September. The 1000-metre dash is the only Group-1 event under 1200-metres in the spring and has been set as the target race this preparation.
Henry also made mention of Mitch Aitken’s role in the win. “I’m very proud of Mitch. He deserved this opportunity and he’s grabbed it with both hands”.
Asfoora will set her sights firmly on Grand Final eve at The Valley where the stable will have her peaking for a big second-up assignment under lights.