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The Otaki-Maori (Haunui Farm) Classic run at Otaki on Saturday is often won by top WFA milers.

Melody Belle best exemplifies that just last year. Is there another like her in the 2020 Otaki-Maori (Haunui Farm) Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday?

2020 OTAKI-MAORI (HAUNUI FARM) CLASSIC - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Otaki-Maori Classic is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for sprinters at Otaki race course conducted by the Otaki-Maori Racing Club.

The Otaki-Maori Classic is run over 1600m.

The Otaki-Maori Classic is currently known as the Haunui Farm Classic and is a patterned race after the Waikato Sprint.

In 2018 the race was moved to Hastings as Otaki had drainage problems after some flooding.

2006 saw Darci Brahma win the race as a 3yo before being defeated by Apache Cat in the Australian Guineas.

Melody Belle was in a purple patch in 2019 taking this race in between the Waikato Sprint and the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. She would win races at home and abroad.

The Otaki-Maori Classic was worth NZ$200,000 in 2020.

Notable winners of Otaki-Maori Classic include Melody Belle (2019), Kawi (2017), Volkstok'n'barrell (2016), Nashville (2013/2014), Veyron (2012), Mufhasa (2010), Alamosa (2008), Sir Slick (2007), Darci Brahma (2006), King's Chapel (2004), Surface (2000), Allegro (1995), Javelin (1992/1993), Rough Habit (1991), Westminster (1990), Poetic Prince (1988/1989) and Society Bay (1987).

The 2019 Otaki-Maori Classic was won by Melody Belle from Wyndspelle and Consensus.