Search

show me:

Melody Belle on track for swansong

3 minute read

Richards happy with multiple Group 1 winners Rosehill trial.

MELODY BELLE.
MELODY BELLE. Picture: Race Images Photo

Record-breaking New Zealand mare Melody Belle (Commands), had one final hit-out at Rosehill on Tuesday morning ahead of her trip to Queensland next week.

The 14-time Group 1 winner was given a quiet trip throughout and finished eighth in her 1030 metre trial.

Trainer Jamie Richards was happy enough with her efforts but admitted he would have liked to have seen her do more in her final appearance in Sydney.

"I would have liked to have seen her do a little bit more, but when they run 35 off the front off that short course there it does make it difficult for the back markers," he told RSN927.

"I thought she worked through the line nicely."

Melody Belle will head north to the Gold Coast next week for a two run Queensland campaign before she is sold at auction.

"She will run in the Hollinsdale on the May 8 and the Doomben Cup on the May 22," Richards said.

The six-year-old mare finished sixth in the HE Tancred Stakes (Gr 1, 2400m) at Randwick earlier this month and Richards said he was pleased with her run.

"I thought she was really good in the Tancred," he said. "She had to go back to last from the outside barrier, came widest of all, really tried hard and finished sixth, beaten not far.

"Her track work at home suggests she is going fairly well. I am happy with her and I genuinely believe she has another good race in her.

"She is going to have a couple of good, strong gallops before she gets on the track and heads up to Brisbane. Hopefully we can see her run well."

After her final two appearances in Queensland, Melody Belle will be offered by the Blue Sky Premium Consignment as Lot 510 on May 25 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale.
Racing and Sports

Sponsors

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au