Today’s International News Briefing Latest
UK: Asfoora set for Goodwood farewell
Triple Group 1 winner Asfoora (Flying Artie) will likely make the final start of her career in Friday’s King George Stakes (Gr 2, 5f) at Goodwood. Trainer Henry Dwyer believes the mare has been racing better than her recent form suggests, with Asfoora finishing just two lengths behind Mission Central (No Nay Never) in the King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 5f) at Royal Ascot before disappointing at Sandown. The eight-year-old would retire to stud as one of the most successful Australian-trained horses to compete internationally. Asfoora has won three European Group 1 races, landing the 2024 King Charles III Stakes before adding last year’s Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr 1, 5f) at York and Prix de l’Abbaye (Gr 1, 1000m) at Longchamp.
UK: Satono Reve likely for City Of York
Japanese sprinter Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa) has remained in Europe following his placings in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Royal Ascot on June 20 and the July Cup (Gr 1, 6f) at Newmarket on July 11. The seven-year-old remains based at Beech Hurst Stable in Newmarket and, while holding several European entries, is likely to make his next appearance in the City Of York Stakes (Gr 1, 7f) on August 22.
US: Gold Phoenix claims record sixth Del Mar stakes win
Eight-year-old Gold Phoenix (8 g Belardo – Magnifica by Mizzen Mast) secured a record sixth stakes victory at Del Mar when landing Sunday’s Eddie Read Stakes (Gr 2, 9f). Trained by Phil D’Amato, the Irish-bred gelding came from last to overhaul leader Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof The Nile) and defending champion Formidable Man (City Of Light) in a three-way photo, stopping the clock at 1:47.73. The victory was Gold Phoenix’s second in the Eddie Read Stakes, having previously won the race in 2023, and complemented his victories in the past four editions of the Del Mar Handicap (Gr 2, 11f). A debut maiden winner at Dundalk in Ireland, Gold Phoenix has now won 13 of his 34 starts and is one of 20 individual stakes winners for former Haunui shuttler and 2021 NZ Champion first season sire Belardo (Lope De Vega).
US: Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is back
Kentucky Derby (Gr 1, 10f) and Belmont Stakes (Gr 1, 10f) winner Golden Tempo (Curlin) completed his first workout at Saratoga on Sunday, breezing four furlongs in 48.51 seconds. Owned by Phipps Stable and St Elias Stable, the three-year-old is being prepared for the US$1.25 million (approx. AU$1.78 million) Travers Stakes (Gr 1, 10f) at Saratoga on August 29.
US: Cornucopian euthanised following Del Mar injury
Dual Grade 3 winner Cornucopian (Into Mischief) was euthanised after sustaining a serious injury during Saturday’s Bing Crosby Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Del Mar. The four-year-old was favourite and pulled up approaching the turn after injuring his right-front fetlock. He was transported to his barn but the injury was deemed too severe. Bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm and Whisper Hill Farm, Cornucopian was purchased by SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables for US$1.1 million from the Gainesway draft at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Cornucopian won four of his eight starts, with one second, and earned US$462,655 (approx. AU$5661,600) in prize-money.