Well Written to Face Promising Raider Asakura

A line has been drawn in the sand ahead of next month's $4 million Kiwi at Ellerslie, with Ozzie Kheir locking in his challenger to take on New Zealand's unbeaten headline act Well Written. The Melbourne Cup-winning owner confirmed on Wednesday that Mitch Freedman's progressive three-year-old Asakura will carry his slot in the southern hemisphere's richest race for the age group. Speculation had gathered pace after reports that Freedman was weighing up a trans-Tasman raid with the Churchill gelding, fresh from his Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes second at Flemington. That run, where he loomed ominously at the 1400m before being outfinished late by Sixties, only strengthened the case for stretching to 1500m at Ellerslie on March 7. Standing in his way is the Stephen Marsh-trained Well Written, the Yulong part-owned filly who is unbeaten in five starts and a commanding $1.20 favourite with bookmakers. Asakura sits on the second line of betting at $8, but Kheir believes the form stack makes him a worthy adversary. "I have watched Asakura with great interest over the last month, particularly knowing he is a highly talented three-year-old qualified for the NZB Kiwi," Kheir said. "We didn't have the right three-year-old ourselves to take over this year, so we have been searching for the best available horse to take on the rising star of New Zealand racing, Well Written. In Asakura, we believe we have a horse capable of giving her a serious challenge." The owner was equally clear about the appeal of the colt's profile. "He brings top-class Australian three-year-old form to the race. Mitch Freedman had the option of staying home to contest the Australian Guineas, but he was keen to head across and take her on and that was good enough for me." Freedman has since confirmed that The Kiwi will be Asakura's next start, signalling a deliberate tilt at a race that has quickly gained international attention. The prizemoney was recently lifted from $3.5 million to $4 million, adding further incentive to the clash. Kheir has prior experience with the event, having partnered with Coolmore in last year's inaugural running when Public Attention finished eighth behind Damask Rose. This time, the approach feels more pointed: a progressive Australian colt against an unbeaten New Zealand star, with reputations on the line.

Asakura will attempt to defeat Well Written (pic: Mark Gatt)