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Daughter of Commands has an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Wednesday over 1000 metres under Opie Bosson

The Jamie Richards-trained Melody Belle (Commands) had an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Wednesday over 1000 metres under jockey Opie Bosson, in preparation for a tilt at the Thornton Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) at the end of the month. 

The six-year-old daughter of Commands (Danehill) won the Livamol Classic (Gr 1, 2040m) at Hastings last October before finishing third in the Mackinnon Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) the following month and finished runner-up in a trial over 1200 metres at Matamata last week behind Karaka 3YO Million (RL, 1600m) favourite Amarelinha (Savabeel).

“Everything is going according to plan,” Richards said. “She had a decent blow after the trial last Tuesday and we’re taking the opportunity to get more work into her here today.”

Richards is happy with the way the mare is progressing ahead of her first-up run this preparation. 

“She’s going as good as we’ve ever had her,” Richards continued. “She is sound and happy and as she’s got older she’s eaten better and continued to work well.” 

The Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) at Te Rapa is Melody Belle’s likely next target following the Thornton Mile.