The Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield appeared to be a match race between Asfoora (+110) and Uncommon James (+140); however, the Henry Dwyer-trained mare had her nearest rival in the market well beaten by the 200m mark as she ran away with a dominant victory.
Many speed map experts had the top two chances settling near the speed, but it would have surprised most when the two favourites cleared out and led the third horse by a good three lengths for most of the 1100m journey.
Damian Lane clearly had a plan to pester Mitchell Aitken’s mare, as he raced on the outside of the leader, but it appeared that Uncommon James slightly overraced with the blinkers on and didn’t give himself the best chance as they turned the home bend.
As soon as Asfoora straightened for home, you could see that Aitken still had a strong hold of his mare, while Lane was asking the runner-up for an effort, so when Aitken pushed the button Asfoora booted two lengths clear and put the race to bed within three or four strides.
2023 Schillaci Stakes Replay – Asfoora |T: Henry Dwyer |J: Mitchell Aitken
Henry Dwyer was very happy with the win, and he spoke post-race.
“I said that (we were confident) last time and she ran the second quickest time ever last start at The Valley and still got beaten,” Dwyer said.
“I haven’t seen the times yet but Damian Lane (Uncommon James) made a conscious effort to serve it up to her and he was probably on the stronger horse but as it turns out she was really brave and kicked away.
“I thought it was a bit stick (mid-race) but whether he (Uncommon James) overdid it with the blinkers on, I don’t know.
“She’s just so good around here and we didn’t win an Oakleigh Plate here because it was at Sandown but I think of we can find an Oakleigh Plate here next year that will be ok.
“One more run for the prep at Flemington and then away towards the autumn in the Lightning and/or Oakleigh Plate and then maybe Royal Ascot. We’ll see what happens.”
Mitchell Aitken brought up his maiden Group 2 victory in the Schillaci Stakes, and he spoke post-race.
“It is awesome. It means a lot. Biggest race of my career and I think she has more ahead of her. Really exciting,” Aitken said of Asfoora.
“She jumped away well, and I walked the track beforehand – and watching the previous races – they were coming about four to six (horses) off and I really wanted that lane.
“When we got there, I was quite confident that she was going to hold on. She was good enough to hold on.
“I think she runs out a nice 1100 metres and I was always quite confidence. They did serve it up to her and she was strong.”
Asfoora is now an +1000 chance in the Champions Sprint futures market with online bookmakers.
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