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Names don’t come much bigger or better than the one the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes run at Ellerslie on Saturday is named after.

Bonecrusher was a warhorse on both sides of the Tasman. Who wins the 2020 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Saturday?

2020 BONECRUSHER NEW ZEALAND STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for middle distance horses at Ellerslie race course conducted by the Auckland Racing Club.

The Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes is run over 2000m.

The race was previously known as the Auckland Classic or Air New Zealand Stakes.

The Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes is notable for the many winners which have a great history in the Cox Plate.

Some of those include Bonecrusher, Surfers Paradise, Solvit and Ocean Park.

The great Balmerino won the race before eventually heading to Europe where he'd be highly competitive in races like the Coronation Cup, Eclipse Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Melody Belle had a great 2019 Autumn winning the Waikato Sprint and the Otaki Maori before taking the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. She also won the Tarzino Trophy in the next Spring before heading to success in Melbourne.

The Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes was worth NZ$200,000 in 2020.

Notable winners of Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes include Melody Belle (2019), Volkstok'n'Barrell (2016), Silent Achiever (2014), Ocean Park (2013), Scarlett Lady (2012), Sir Slick (2008), Xcellent (2005), Lashed (2004), Tall Poppy (2001), Showella (2000), The Message (1999), Roysyn (1996), Solvit (1993/1994), Surfers Paradise (1991), Riverina Charm (1990), Bonecrusher (1986/1988), Tidal Light (1987), The Filbert (1985), McGinty (1983/1984), La Mer (1979) and Balmerino (1977).

The 2019 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes was won by Melody Belle from Danzdanzdance and Rondinella.