Blinkers worked the oracle for Melody Belle who proved too good for her rivals in Sunday's $1 million Listed Karaka Millions (1200m) for two-year-olds at Ellerslie.
Trainers Jamie Richards and Stephen Autridge applied the headgear to Melody
Settled in fourth place with cover to the home turn, Melody Belle ($32) cruised up to share the lead 200m out before quickening clear and was untroubled to go on and defeat Hasahalo ($4.10 equal fav), which made up a lot of ground in the straight, by 1 1/4-lengths with Felton Road ($4.90) a neck away third.
Richards said a troubled run
"Her last start was about having her spot on for today. She drew the outside and we went back, poked up between a few late after being shunted off the track," Richards said.
"Blinkers went on and Opie came down to gallop on Tuesday and he was very happy.
"It's a huge buzz, full credit to everyone behind the scenes, the team at home have done a lovely job with her."
Richards said the addition of Opie Bosson as jockey played a huge part in the win.
"Geeze he's riding well and he just put her in the perfect spot. The draw helped but I think every horse got
"We'll give her a couple of days to settle down and then we'll have a look at where we go next, there's the Diamond Stakes here and the Manawatu Sires (Produce) down the line so there's plenty of options for a filly like this."
Padraig started the other $4.10
Melody Belle is by Commands and the first foal of
She was offered at the Karaka Premier Sale last year by Haunui Farm and sold to David Ellis for a fairly modest $57,500.
Meleka Balle's second foal, by
