Melody Belle is coming off the back of her fifth Group One victory, but her connections are resisting the urge of accepting a wildcard for the A$5million All Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington next month.
Raced by Fortuna
Syndications, Melody Belle was on the radar of Racing Victoria chief
handicapper Greg Carpenter after her win in the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Group One
Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday, but Syndicate manager John Galvin said
they have elected to bypass the race.
"I fielded a call from Greg Carpenter who advised that Melody Belle was in contention for a wildcard entry," Galvin said.
"Trainer Jamie Richards and I had previously discussed our position and we had decided that the All Star Mile, attractive as it was, was not the right race for our mare at this time.
"To travel to Australia to take on their best milers in this event, when already deep into a campaign that commenced last August, was not in the best interests of Melody Belle we had decided."
The daughter of Commands will now potentially line-up at Ellerslie next month in an attempt to add a sixth Group One win to her record in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
"She has yet to contest a race over the 2000m distance," Galvin said.
"Given her performance in the Haunui, trainer Jamie Richards and rider Opie Bosson hold the view that 2000m will hold no fear for her.
"This race presents as an ideal opportunity for her final race of the 2018/19 season."
