Caulfield
Race 9 – Asfoora
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1100m Group One Oakleigh Plate – Barrier 11
Star mare Asfoora returns to Group One company today, looking to go better than her third-placed effort in the same race (held at Sandown) last year. The daughter of Flying Artie has the benefit of a run under her belt this time around, earning 57.5kg as the highest rated galloper in the field. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from barrier eleven, able to roll across from the chute start and position outside or just behind the speed turning for home.
Plenty of speed as expected in this, with Hypothetical and Najem Suhail and Brudenall to go fast from the centre of the line, while Recommendation and Queman won’t be far away approaching the home bend. Good race, as it should be. King’s Gambit will settle off-speed from the inside alley and enjoy a soft run throughout the race. He’ll need luck to get out and chasing, but with just 50kg on his back, he’ll prove very hard to hold out in the last 100-metres. Hypothetical set an impossible tempo up front in the Rubiton and comes here 4kg lighter. Only Asfoora and Kallos got past her on that occasion, look for another bold showing today. Sghirripa has won four of five this preparation, his only defeat coming at this track and trip behind Hypothetical in November. He made a mess of his rivals in the Standish six weeks ago, just needs luck from the draw. Kallos and Rey Magnerio will be closing hard from the back, tempo/bias key to their hopes. Others with each way claims.
Connections have had this race in mind for a long time with Asfoora, who has taken good benefit from her runner-up effort a fortnight ago. Her record at the track and trip is excellent (4:3-1-0), and she should get a nice cart across with speed runners in the early stages. She’s well and truly good enough to win this.
Currently, Asfoora is a $6 chance in the market.