'If she repeats last year's run, she wins' - confidence high for Aussie star Asfoora

Asfoora is back for Goodwood revenge after a narrow defeat last year, and her camp are certain a repeat of that run will see her tick off another big British sprint in the King George Qatar Stakes (3.05).

The Henry Dwyer-trained seven-year-old went down by just a short head to Big Evs last year when carrying a penalty for her Group 1 triumph in the King Charles III Stakes. She made her British comeback in that Royal Ascot contest last month, but could finish only fifth.

Dwyer reports his star to have blossomed since then as she bids to become the second Australian-trained winner of the race, 13 years after Ortensia.

He said: "It was very warm at Ascot and it just knocked her around a bit not being acclimatised to it. We gave her two weeks in the paddock and it's really done wonders. Now the weather's cooled, it's a lot easier for her.

"Everyone tells me that having had a run there before is a great benefit too. She really struggled to travel the first half of the race last year and then she had a bit of a blocked passage on the way through. I think she probably should have won last year. 

"There's no doubt if she repeats last year's run, she wins. But that's the question, whether she can race up to that level at this stage of her preparation."

Asfoora is being primed for a tilt at the Nunthorpe Stakes at York's Ebor meeting, but Dwyer knows the conditions of this year's King George could suit her to a tee.

He said: "We carried a penalty last year, but I think she's thrown in at the weights this time. It all stacks up well. While she might not run right to her peak, she'll run near enough to be hard to beat."

Can Big Mojo team deny Asfoora again?

Big Evs proved Asfoora's nemesis last year and Mick Appleby is confident Big Mojo can fill that role this time around.

Like Big Evs, Big Mojo is owned by RP Racing and will be ridden by Tom Marquand. He comes here following a neck defeat to No Half Measures in the July Cup and returns to the course and distance over which he won the Molecomb Stakes a year ago.

Appleby said: "He ran ever so well at Newmarket and he's bounced out of it in great order. He's very versatile so the drop in trip will be no issue and we're looking forward to running him. There's no reason why he can't go forward again and we know he's gone well at the track and trip before. If he keeps on progressing, he'll go very close."

Frost At Dawn (right): should go well if the rain stays away from GoodwoodCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

What they say

Clive Cox, trainer of Kerdos
We were very happy with how he came out of Sandown. He ran very nicely in the King Charles III on quick ground, but he'll appreciate rain as he won the Temple Stakes on soft. He's giving a fresh feel and he seems very well.

Karl Burke, trainer of Night Raider
He possesses a lot of ability and natural speed. I'm hoping any rain that comes doesn't get in the ground too much, but he's got a good draw [stall 11] and is in good order. We're very happy with him.

William Knight, trainer of Frost At Dawn
She's in good nick and I was hoping the rain stayed away, as this has been the plan since Ascot, but soft ground isn't ideal. I've always held her in high regard, so it was just nice to see her go close in a Group 1 and show she's very capable at this level. She's only improving and is stronger physically and mentally.

Jack Davison, trainer of She's Quality
She's so quick, probably too quick for her own good! She's better than ever and it seems to be coming all together for her, I was hoping the rain stayed away. I can't wait for it.

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3.05 Goodwood: 'If she repeats last year's run, she wins' - confidence high for Aussie star Asfoora 

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