Kiwi Field Taking Shape as Australian Raider Looms: Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy • February 13th, 2026 10:15 AM • 4 min read
Although only five horses have been confirmed for the NZB Kiwi on March 7, the race is already boasting an enviable line-up.
Well Written stands out as the only unbeaten runner in the field, and her demolition of the three year-olds in the Karaka Million makes her look extremely hard to beat. The star filly has set a high benchmark for any potential challengers.
She won’t have it all her own way, however. Joining her are 2000 Guineas winner Romanoff, along with 1000 and 2000 Guineas placegetters Affirmative Action, Belle Cheval and Lollapalooza — a quality group with strong classic form credentials.
What the race arguably lacks at this stage is an Australian raider to introduce a different form reference and add another layer of intrigue.
Victorian-based trainer Mitch Freedman may provide exactly that with Asakura. A $140,000 purchase from the NZB Karaka Book 1 Sale (offered by Hallmark Stud), Asakura has won two of his three starts, including an impressive last-start victory at Geelong.
The son of Churchill lines up in Saturday’s Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington — a run that connections suggest will determine whether he crosses the Tasman for New Zealand’s premier three-year-old feature. Currently on the fourth line of betting at $10 with the TAB, a strong performance could fast-track his Kiwi ambitions.
Planet Red also sits prominently in the market but connections have indicated they intend to remain in Australia rather than take on the star Kiwi filly. Gr2 Eight Carat winner Tellum has gone to the paddock, leaving just a handful of big names yet to secure a slot — He Who Dares, La Dorada and Tajana all appear logical additions if connections opt in.
Want to hear the next big NZB Kiwi announcement? All will be revealed from 11.30am on Trackside’s Big Saturday.
Big Weekend of Racing Ahead
The Kiwi isn’t the only highlight on the horizon.
Matamata hosts its premier meeting this weekend, where the two-year-old fillies clash in the Breeders’ Stakes — shaping as a potential match race between Lara Antipova and Te Encuentro.
Across the Tasman, the Australian autumn carnival bursts into life with the Lightning Stakes featuring Tentyris, Beiwacht and Giga Kick at Flemington, while Sydney has the Apollo Stakes and Expressway Stakes with stars like Autumn Glow, Ceolwulf, Aeliana, Angel Capital and Joliestar.
Plenty to look forward to on both sides of the ditch.
Big Saturday includes meetings at Matamata and Ascot Park. Race highlights are the Matamata Breeders Stakes and the Matamata Slipper.
Tune in on Trackside 1 or trackside.co.nz from 11:30am
