Flying Artie's Asfoora Returns From Europe A Winner

Craig Tompson - Saturday April 12

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).

Asfoora. Photo: Grant Courtney

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisment

Race Result - Sportsbet R N Irwin Stakes Gr3 1100m

Morphettville Track: Good(4) Time: 1:03.97
1
Asfoora
- 6m Flying Artie (AUS) x Golden Child (AUS) (I Am Invincible (AUS))
Tnr: Henry Dwyer Rdr: M Aitken 56.5
Flying Artie
2
0.4
Sghirripa
- 5g Lonhro (AUS) x Wonder I Do (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: Shane & Cassie Oxlade Rdr: Ben Price 58.5
3
0.7
Climbing Star
- 5m Zoustar (AUS) x Bryony (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: Lachlan Neindorf 56.5
Zoustar
4
1.6
Prairie Flower
- 5m Star Turn (AUS) x Leotie (AUS) (Darci Brahma (NZ))
Tnr: W Clarken & N O'Shea Rdr: Kayla Crowther 56.5
5
1.7
Watchme Win
- 4g Harry Angel (IRE) x Watchmespin (AUS) (Sepoy (AUS))
Tnr: A J Gluyas Rdr: J Holder 58.5
6
1.9
Aviatress
- 4m Smart Missile (AUS) x Twin Star Rocket (AUS) (Bel Esprit (AUS))
Tnr: R & C Jolly Rdr: Jake Toeroek 56.5
7
2.6
Press Down
- 5g Press Statement (AUS) x Down The Corridor (AUS) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Tnr: Peter Hardacre Rdr: Rochelle Milnes 58.5
8
3.2
Sir Sway
- 4g Sir Prancealot (IRE) x Silent Sway (AUS) (Commands (AUS))
Tnr: S & J Jaensch Rdr: W Egan 58.5
9
8.9
Mrs Chrissie
- 6m Per Incanto (USA) x Turf Fire (NZ) (O'reilly (NZ))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: Jacob Opperman 56.5
10
10.8
Jack The Lad
- 7g I Am Invincible (AUS) x Luluoru (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: W F Francis & G Kent Rdr: Zac Spain 58.5
More Reading...
Extremely Good Filly Wins G2 Furious for Myracehorse
There has always been a big boom on Extreme Choice filly Apocalyptic following her flashing second on debut last December and we finally saw her back at the races at Randwick on Saturday and it proved well worth the wait!
Catch Me If You Can Tactics Sees Changingoftheguard Break Aussie Duck
Having not won since June 2024 at Group 2 level at Ascot, a front running ride by James McDonald aboard the Kris Lees trained Changingoftheguard (IRE) saw the son of Galileo win the $200,000 Listed ATC City Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m).
G1 Spring Ahead As Angel Capital Remains Unbeaten First Up
A winner of the Listed McKenzie Stakes on this day last year, outstanding Harry Angel 4yo Angel Capital remained unbeaten first-up, winning the Listed MVRC Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) in dominant fashion.
El Roca Filly Wins G3 Gold Trail
Lollapalooza went into Saturday’s Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie as a maiden, but she came out of it as one of the leaders of her generation and the clear favourite for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).
Asfoora Gallant in Defeat at Glorious Goodwood
Australian sprint queen Asfoora ran another super race at Goodwood overnight in the Group II King George Stakes (5f) with a 5lb penalty for her last start Group I victory proving the catalyst for three year-old Blue Point colt Big Evs to be able to turn the tables on the daughter of Flying Artie.
Flying Artie's Asfoora puts them to the Sword in Schillaci Stakes
The 5-year-old Flying Artie mare Asfoora continues on her march to the ranks of top sprinters in Australia following a blistering performance of sustained speed in Saturday’s Group II Metcap Finance Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
Aussie Mare Asfoora Triumphs in G1 York Nunthorpe
Victorians breeders celebrated overnight with Aussie bred and owned Flying Artie mare Asfoora returning to her dazzling best to win the Group I Nunthorpe Stakes (5f) at York  with a scintillating performance.
Zoustar 5YO Showing Promise
Promising gelding Have A Crack retained his unbeaten New Zealand record with a gritty performance to take out the Rich Hill Stud (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Exciting Stakes-Winner for Yes Yes Yes
Relocated to Gooree Park Stud this year, Everest hero Yes Yes Yes produced an exciting stakes-winner in New Zealand on Saturday with promising three year-old Affirmative Action taking out the $100,000 Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at his second race start.
Group 1 Moir Stakes Next for Flying Artie's Asfoora
The decision to stay clear of Giga Kick paid off the connections of Asfoora after the quality daughter of Flying Artie made a winning return in Saturday's Listed The McCafe 1100 Stakes at Caulfield.