Royal Ascot: Asfoora strikes for Australia in King Charles III Stakes

Australian sprinting star Asfoora justified the long journey across the globe to power to King Charles III Stakes glory.

Henry Dwyer's charge had finished fourth on her British debut in the Temple Stakes at Haydock last month, but she clearly enjoyed the faster ground at Royal Ascot to become Australia’s sixth winner of this race by a length.

Market leader Big Evs quickly took control of the five-furlong contest, but there was no stopping Asfoora once she made her move towards the closing stages.

At the furlong marker the daughter of Australian star Flying Artie sat alongside the early leader before clicking into top gear for Oisin Murphy to bolt ahead and score at 5-1, with Ed Bethell’s Regional claiming second ahead of the Mick Appleby-trained 11-4 favourite Big Evs.

Asfoora joins Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009) and Nature Strip (2022) on the Australian roll of honour in what was formerly the King’s Stand Stakes.

ASFOORA has made the long trip worth-while, with a dazzling turn of foot in The King Charles III Stakes. Kudos to @oismurphy and @HDwyerRacing