Asfoora (Image: Racing Photos)
Asfoora and Mitch Aitken went to The Valley for no more than a familiarisation session on Monday morning, but it'll be handlebars down come Friday night when she contests the $750,000 Group 1 Moir Stakes.
Henry Dwyer has long circled the 1000-metre dash as her grand final this spring and gave the Heath Stakes winner a private jumpout at Ballarat last week to keep her up to the mark.
A winner of seven of her 12 starts, the speedy three-time Group winner and Oakleigh Plate placegetter has come up the $5 second favourite with Sportsbet behind Imperatriz.
"In an ideal we'd probably draw out a little bit and be able to lead or sit outside lead," Dwyer explained.
"She's probably not foolproof in the barriers either, she gets a little bit bouncy and missed it a half-length on occasion, but if she begins normally she will ping the gates and put herself there."
Dwyer admits it was hard not to be impressed with the first-up win of Imperatriz, while he knows Queenslander and Oakleigh Plate winner Uncommon James all too well.
"It was super impressive … if it repats that run it's going to be pretty hard to beat," Dwyer said of Imperatriz.
"Our old sparring partner Uncommon James, we've raced each other three or four times and he probably slightly has the wood on us.
"A small field but a fair bit of quality there."
Dwyer, who has prepared Sonntag and Precious Gem to G1 wins, said Friday night's result will dictate the rest of her preparation.
"If she wins, we probably have to go to 1200 metres," Dwyer said.
"Some seriously strong Group 1 races, maybe Sydney, maybe here.
"If she doesn't win, we can probably keep her at 1000-1100 metres and keep her at Caulfield for the (Caulfield) Sprint or Schillaci and maybe lead into the Champions Sprint at the end of the carnival."