In an auspicious Australian debut, Kiwi raider Melody Belle left 17 talented opponents in her wake, turning what looked to be a competitive Group II BRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) into a walk in the park.
The daughter of Commands crossed the Tasman with a big reputation having won the $1 million Listed Karaka Millions (1200m) for two-year-olds at Ellerslie before adding the Group I Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni.
Ridden by Opie Bosson for Matamata trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, Melody Belle could not have been any more impressive in defeating Choisir colt Taking Aim by four and three-quarter lengths with Pierro colt Pierata a length and a quarter back in third. (photo Darryl Sherer)
Purchased by David Ellis for $57,500 out of the Haunui Farm draft at the 2016 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Melody Belle advances her record to 4 wins and 1 third from 6 starts with earnings of $832,974.
"She is a strong filly by Commands so I am confident she can run a strong 1600 metres in the Group I JJ) Atkins," Richards told AAP.
"I was mindful of the fact she had not started since April 1 when she won the Sires at Awapuni. But she had a trial and that set her up for today.
"She was a cheap buy at the Karaka sales but she has now won a Karaka Million and a BRC Sires."
From the famed 'Belle' family, Melody Belle is the first foal of the winning Iffraaj mare Meleka Belle who is a half-sister to four stakes-placed winners including Group I New Zealand One Thousand Guineas third, Tsarina Belle(Stravinsky).
After foaling a filly by Not A Single Doubt, Meleka Belle was bred back to Tavistock.
Melody Belle is one of 116 live foals in the final crop of Commands who died in July 2014.
