Asakura continued his rapid rise with an emphatic second consecutive victory at Geelong, delivering a dominant performance against the older horses. Stepping up from maiden grade is never a simple assignment, but the talented galloper made light work of the challenge, stamping himself as a horse with serious upside.

Asakura was purchased by Mitch from the 2024 Karaka sale from the Hallmark Stud draft for $140,000 - a timely reminder following the Karaka 2026 sale of Freedman’s success in purchasing quality bloodstock out of the prestigious sale.

Partnered again by Dean Yendall who is building a formidable partnership with the stable, Asakura travelled sweetly throughout before unleashing a devastating turn of foot at the top of the straight. When asked to extend, he exploded clear in a matter of strides, quickly putting the race beyond doubt and eased down over the final 100m.

Asakura will now face his stiffest test yet, set to step up in grade into the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes. In doing so, he follows a familiar and exciting path, mirroring the progression of stable star Attrition during his three year-old Autumn campaign.