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.
The West Australian breeding ranks were boosted in 2023 by the arrival of three superbly bred stallions – Aysar (Deep Field), Lightsaber (Zoustar) and Marine One (Capitalist) – and the trio have strong representation at the Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale which kicks off on Thursday.