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Richards foresees tough task for multiple Group 1 at the Gold Coast.
As Melody Belle's (Commands) glittering career draws to a close, the multiple Group 1 winner will have two more starts in Queensland before she is offered at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and the first of those two will be in the AD Hollindale Stakes (Gr 2, 1800m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday, for which she has been drawn in wide barrier 17.
Trainer Jamie Richards is under no illusion that the mare could be vulnerable over 1800 metres, but he believes the Group 2 will put the daughter of Commands (Danehill) bang on track for her swansong - the Doomben Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) on May 22.
"She's had such a wonderful career but we're not going to Queensland to make up the numbers," Richards said.
"Everything seems to have gone according to plan. We were pretty happy with her trial at Rosehill last week and Ashley (Handley, travelling attendant) is happy with the way she has progressed since then.
"Over 1800 metres on Saturday, she might be a shade vulnerable. We're expecting her to take benefit from this weekend's race with a view to having her at her peak for the Doomben Cup over 2000 metres at her next start.
"The 1800 metres this weekend will tidy her up nicely for a shot at one last Group One race."
Melody Belle had her final trackwork gallop at Randwick on Wednesday morning before floating to the Gold Coast ahead of her weekend assignment. Richards won't be at the Gold Coast meeting but plans to head to Doomben for Melody Belle's final race later this month.
"We expect her to run well on Saturday but we think she's still got a little bit of improvement in her for the Doomben Cup," Richards said.
Meanwhile, Melody Belle will clash with Godolphin's multiple Group 1 winner Avilius (Pivotal) who has opened as favourite for the Group 2 as he attempts to break a 19-month winless run.
The son of Pivotal (Polar Falcon) will jump from barrier nine with Nash Rawiller set to take the ride.
"The class of this fabulous old warrior has shone through since the day he arrived in Australia four years ago and it has remained undiminished ever since," said trainer James Cummings.
"His three runs this time have been no exception. He'd have won the Chipping Norton in another couple of strides, he flew home again in the George Ryder and he finished off stylishly in the Doncaster after coming from near last and under equal top weight."
"Over an extra 200 metre here, at weight-for-age and with a softer track he should have a lot more in his favour."
"I'd like to think he could take up a slightly more forward position on a track such as this which is probably a bit tighter than is ideal for him."
"The form he is showing gives him an undeniable chance to get the sort of result he deserves."
