FANTASTIC FOOR

Dwyer elated as Aussie sprinter humbles Brits

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ASFOORA repelled the last fight of the Poms in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes as the Aussie mare proved that form is temporary — but class is permanent.

Last summer, Asfoora lit up the British sprinting scene with a victory blitz in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.

But the seven-year-old was beaten in her next two starts in Britain - including when fourth as the 6-4 favourite for the 2024 Nunthorpe - and, having returned to the northern hemisphere from trainer Henry Dwyer's base in Ballarat, Victoria, suffered further reverses in defence of her title at Ascot and at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Dwyer was adamant a lack of fitness was the cause of this season's losses and vowed there would be “no excuses” after a workout on Tuesday under Asfoora’s devoted attendant Chanelle Ellis.