The NZB Kiwi is set to have direct Australian involvement with the announcement on Wednesday that Ozzie Kheir has selected the Mitch Freedman-trained Asakura for his slot in the $4 million Champions Day feature.
With unbeaten filly Well Written dominating calculations as the $1.20 favourite, doubts had been expressed that unlike last year’s inaugural NZB Kiwi (1500m) when eventual runner-up Evaporate as well as Perfumist and Public Attention made the trip to Auckland, there might be no Australian runners.
Asakura, a gelding by Churchill with two wins and a second from his first three starts, stepped up to black-type competition in the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last Saturday and finished second to the $1.60 favourite Sixties.
“He’s what I would describe as a progressive young horse that has still got a lot of improvement in him,” Freedman said.
“As we saw last Saturday he still does a few things wrong, but he’s learning all the time and we see the Kiwi as a good option for him at this stage.
“That was his first time at 1400m and the step up to 1500 should work for him, especially if there’s good tempo which I imagine would be the case given the race it is.
“It’s a very attractive stake and while that filly looks very good, we felt it was still worth going across for.”
Confirmation of NZB Kiwi plans for Asakura has cemented his place as the $8 equal second favourite alongside Belle Cheval, who has her final lead-up in Saturday’s Gr.3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie.
Freedman (no relation to the Freedman brothers Lee, Anthony, Richard and Michael) has quickly established himself in Victorian training ranks. From his Ballarat base he has prepared Attrition to win the 2023 Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield and Skybird last year’s Gr.1 Lightning (1000m) at Flemington.
“We’ve got fantastic facilities at Ballarat and we’ve been building a nice team around us, so I’m now looking forward to having my first runner in New Zealand.”
Although Freedman has had no previous involvement with Kheir, there is still some connection through Asakura’s part-owners Jomara Bloodstock, the Auckland-based Carter family who were co-owners with Kheir of the champion stayer Verry Elleegant.
Kheir has been a serious investor in quality New Zealand racehorses for several years and his colours will be carried at Ellerslie on Saturday by Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki Maori WFA Classic (1600m) favourite Pier.
“Racing is all about establishing relationships and I’m looking forward to being involved with Ozzie in this venture,” Freedman said.
Travel plans have yet to be confirmed for Asakura but Freedman has already confirmed that regular rider Dean Yendall will continue his association with Asakura.
“The three weeks between races works well and it gives us time to make all the necessary arrangements, so we’ll know more once flights over have been confirmed,” he said.
Australian involvement in New Zealand racing continues this weekend with Victorian stayers Brayden Star and Interpretation scheduled to run in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m).
The Ciaron Maher-trained Interpretation is no stranger to local racing, having capped three starts this time last year with a third placing in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) and returning to finish midfield in last month’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m).
Fellow English-bred Brayden Star, a member of expats Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s team, scored his sixth career win in the Gr.2 Herbert Power Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield last October and resumed with a ninth placing over 2000m at Flemington a month ago.
Opie Bosson has been booked to ride him on Saturday in what will be his lead-up to the Trackside Auckland Cup back at Ellerslie on Champions Day. - By Dennis Ryan
