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| Staff Writer |
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Asfoora is being lined up for a crucial equipment change ahead of her title defence in the Gr.3 King Charles Stakes at Royal Ascot, with trainer Henry Dwyer seriously considering adding blinkers to the mare's racing gear.
The Australian handler has been working with the idea throughout the mare's preparation, finally putting theory into practice during a recent gallop at Newmarket's July course. The 800-metre workout proved successful enough to convince Dwyer that the equipment addition could unlock further improvement from his stable star.
"I've always wanted to put blinkers on her but it's always a bit hard to change things when they're going really well," Dwyer explained. "It's a bit of an itch to scratch with the blinkers and I reckon they will help her find a length a two."
The decision stems from Dwyer's observation that Asfoora has become increasingly complacent following her impressive first-up victory in the Gr.3 Irwin Stakes over 1100 metres at Morphettville. That April success was followed by a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes over 1200 metres, before a second-place trial performance at Flemington.
"We threw them on in trackwork, just to make sure she would be OK with them, she was. I dare say we will put them on when she runs next Tuesday," Dwyer confirmed.
The trainer's assessment centres on Asfoora's changed attitude during this preparation compared to previous campaigns. Where once the mare displayed consistent keenness and energy, Dwyer has noticed a more relaxed approach that may be affecting her competitive edge.
"Her recovery has been a lot better this preparation and I think it's a legacy of her reserving her energy a bit more," he observed. "She was always a bit wound up, but now she's been a bit more complacent. I think she's going well, but there's just one thing missing, and I hope it's the blinkers."
Oisin Murphy, who partnered Asfoora during her successful European campaign, was aboard for the recent Newmarket gallop, providing continuity ahead of the Royal Ascot assignment.
Unlike last year's preparation, Asfoora has faced additional challenges in her build-up to Royal Ascot. An extended stay in Australia meant she arrived in Britain four weeks later than ideal, affecting her physical condition and acclimatisation process.
"It wasn't ideal how we went about getting here and I think she only looks a seven-out-of-ten," Dwyer admitted. "The work was fantastic, but there is room for improvement in her looks. She looks scrubby, wintry and a bit dull and that's just a legacy of spending an extra month in Ballarat in four-degree conditions."
Despite these concerns, Dwyer remains confident that Asfoora will reach peak conditions when it matters most, drawing parallels with her successful Royal Ascot campaign twelve months ago when she similarly improved after arriving in Britain.