Francesca Cumani reveals doubts about Asfoora’s preparation for 2025 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot

The lack of a first-up run in England doesn’t have Francesca Cumani ‘Believing’ in Asfoora’s chances of winning back-to-back Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot this week.

Racing commentator Francesca Cumani believes Australian mare Asfoora faces a tough challenge from Believing to retain her Royal Ascot crown.

International racing expert Francesca Cumani, co-host of ITV’s Royal Ascot broadcast, has tipped UK sprinter Believing to spoil Australian raider Asfoora’s quest for back-to-back Group 1 King Charles III Stakes.

Asfoora, trained by Henry Dwyer, has a chance to become only the 13th dual winner – and just the fifth since World War II – of the King Charles III Stakes, formerly King’s Stand.

Star UK sprinters Soul Power (2013-14) and Blue Point (2018-19) achieved the feat most recently.

Cumani said the different preparation to last year could be a factor against Asfoora.

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Asfoora has only been in the UK three weeks compared to six last year, which then afforded Dwyer a lead-up run at Haydock.

Unfortunately, the availability of flights this year dictated travel plans.

“(Asfoora) doesn’t compare to the best quality sprinters Australia has had run at Royal Ascot over the years,” Cumani said.

“But we don’t have that many star five furlong (1000m) sprinters here in Europe at the moment, which is why she is well-fancied in the market.

“She is well-drawn (barrier 10) and will be able to sit behind the likely speed from Washington Heights and Night Raider.

“Her trial before leaving was disappointing … the likely addition of blinkers might sharpen her up. But I’m just not sure about her this year.”

One for Australia! 🇦🇺 Asfoora wins the King Charles III Stakes at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/QmVXaTLF2A

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2024

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Asfoora, if successful, would become the first horse trained outside Europe to win the same race at consecutive Royal Meetings.

Outside Great Britain and Ireland, the champion French stayer Sagaro is the only horse to defend consecutive Royal Meeting triumphs with an Ascot Gold Cup treble (1975-77).

Asfoora is the $5 favourite from Believing ($5.50), Night Raider ($7) and Regional ($7.50) to win the 1006m sprint at 12:40am Wednesday (AEST).

“Believing, who I think is the horse to beat, has drawn one again like last year … that wasn’t the favourable ground last year,” Cumani said.

“(Believing) is a worthwhile favourite and has had a very good season generally.

“She won at six furlongs (1200m) in Dubai and the stiff Ascot five furlongs is going to suit her.”

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Cumani has rated American Affair ($16) as the best outsider in the King Charles III.

“He has come up through the ranks over the last few seasons and won well at York two starts back,” Cumani said.

“He didn’t have a clear run last start in the Temple Stakes at Haydock.”

Champion jockey James McDonald has four rides on Day 1 at Royal Ascot including Cox Plate candidate Carl Spackler, now trained by Ciaron Maher, in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes and Aesterius in the King Charles III Stakes.

UK sprinter Mgheera rated a $10 chance in the King Charles III Stakes, is part-owned by Australian Arthur Mitchell, of Yarraman Stud.

Dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra is set to ride Docklands in the Queen Anne Stakes.