Back to Back G1 Wins for Melody Belle

Media Release - Saturday September 22

Outstanding Commands  mare Melody Belle made it two Group One wins in succession as she dominated her rivals in Saturday's Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings.

Melody Belle - Trish DunnellAlthough some were prepared to question her credentials over the 1600m of Saturday's contest, the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) winner from three weeks earlier was installed a warm favourite for the second leg of the Hawkes Bay triple crown.

An inch perfect ride from Malaysian born jockey Shafiq Rusof saw him use the Commands four-year-old's early gas from the number one barrier draw to position beautifully on the fence behind a strong speed set by pacemakers Contessa Vanessa and Sensible Princess.

Approaching the turn Rusof was giggling to himself as he peeled off heels to issue his challenge with the majority of the mare's rivals struggling to make ground at a crucial stage of the race. Sent for home Melody Belle quickly established a winning break before coasting to the line to score by over two lengths from Savvy Coup, Wyndspelle and Seventh Up who all chased gamely but to no avail.

Trainer Jamie Richards, who had earlier taken out the day's other black-type feature with last season's champion two-year-old Avantage, was quick to acknowledge the role the mare's barrier draw had played in the winning result.

"Barriers win races don't they," he said.

"She's terrific isn't she and it was a lovely ride by Shafiq.

"She had trained on beautifully and it's a big thank you to the team at home who take such good care of her.

"Outstanding."

Richards also mentioned that the mare's confidence levels were at an all time high as she remained unbeaten in three starts in this campaign.

"She loves it," he said. "She's got that real swagger about her and she prances around like she knows she's pretty good."

Purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for $57,500 during the premier session of the 2016 National Yearling Sale, Melody Belle is raced by the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate which is managed by long-time stable client, John Galvin. It is that trio who will now decide the next steps for the mare this season although an attempt to become the first horse to win the Hawkes Bay triple crown has been ruled out by Richards.

"I think we will just look after and give her a spell now," he said.

"We'll get her ready for the Railway (Stakes) and then the Telegraph at Wellington."

Riccarton visitor Savvy Coup lost no admirers for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on October 6, making up good ground after being denied a run until well into the home straight while Wyndspelle also caught the eye with his strong finishing burst. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
All Too Hard's Arran Bay Brave in the Furphy Plate
Phillip Stokes admitted his preference was to run Arran Bay in the Listed John Letts Cup at Morphettville but was overruled by the owners, who made the correct decision in favouring the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
Knights Choice a True Underdog Story
Punters were left stunned when the Queenslander Knight's Choice and Japanese visitor Warp Speed (JPN) emerged from the pack to fight out a dramatic finish to the $8,560,000 Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
Cup Day Stakes-Winner for So You Think
The Listed VRC TAB Trophy (1800m) for three year-olds on Cup Day at Flemington drew a competitive field of up and comers with So You Think gelding Opening Address stamping himself as a bright prospect for the future with a stylish victory.
NZ Horse of the Year Melody Belle Makes History
Megastar Melody Belle earned two slices of New Zealand racing history on Saturday with another commanding performance in the Group I Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings.
2024 Melbourne Cup Result - It's Knights Choice
The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won with Knight’s Choice, a five-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice victorious.
Storm Boy Headed to Ireland
Coolmore have today announced via Twitter that top class Justify (USA) colt Storm Boy will be continuing his racing career in Ireland in 2025 under the care of Aidan O’Brien.
Eighth Group I for Kiwi Horse of the Year Melody Belle
Recently crowned New Zealand Horse of the Year, Melody Belle made it Group One victory number eight in emphatic fashion when she dominated her rivals in the Group I Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings.
Kiwi Bred Gringotts Wins $3million Big Dance
Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts(NZ) (Per Incanto) delivered a big payday for his connections with victory in Tuesday’s A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick.
Rosemont and Partners Stakes Quinella on Cup Day
Written Tycoon posted his second new stakes-winner on Melbourne Cup Day when promising three year-old gelding Catoggio took out the Listed VRC Amanda Elliot Stakes (1400m)  for Rosemont Stud and partners, who also race the second horse Bosustow.
Kiwi Bred Grey Wins Subzero for OTI at Flemington
New Zealand-bred gelding Cloudland proved a handful for James McDonald at Flemington on Tuesday, but the champion jockey was in a forgiving mood after they had claimed top honours in the Subzero Handicap.