breednet.com.au

Slice of History for Karaka Graduate Melody Belle

Media Release - Sunday September 22

Sensational Karaka graduate Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) shares a slice of New Zealand racing history after an effortless win in Saturday's $200,000 Group 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings.

Melody BelleThe win was her eighth at Group 1 level, bringing her level with Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire) for the all-time record number of elite-level victories in New Zealand.

A $57,500 purchase at the 2016 Premier Sale by Te Akau principal David Ellis, Melody Belle was crowned 2018-19 New Zealand Horse of the Year after scoring five superb Group 1 victories last season. She has begun 2019-20 in the same unstoppable form.

She won the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on August 31 with a stunning come-from-behind performance, and on Saturday she was breathtakingly dominant.

Settled in midfield by jockey Opie Bosson, Melody Belle began to improve her position as the field streamed down the side of the Hastings track towards the home turn.

Bosson brought the hot favourite out wide at the top of the straight, and Melody Belle took care of the rest. She cruised to the lead and raced away, scoring by two and three-quarter lengths in a fast time of 1:34.17.

Melody Belle has now won 13 of her 23 starts and earned $1.867 million in stakes – more than 32 times her purchase price.

Advertisement

"Eight Group 1 wins – words fail me," said John Galvin, manager of the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate. "It's a great thrill. I thought her last victory (Tarzino Trophy) was fantastic, after getting a long way back. I thought today was a very clinical performance. She relaxed and settled, and Opie handled her perfectly."

Bosson, meanwhile, is now unbeaten from six rides on Melody Belle.

"She's just amazing," the champion jockey said. "Right from her 2-year-old days, all the way through to now. Jamie and the team at Te Akau have done a great job, and for her to just keep winning the way she has, it's amazing.

"She's got that will to win. Every time you go out on her, she gives you 110%. If she ever does run a bad race, there's obviously something wrong.

"We got into a good spot today. They went quite hard in front, so I ended up going back a spot from where I'd originally planned. I also got going a little bit earlier than I had planned, but she was just going too well."

Vendor Haunui Farm
Purchaser Mr DC Ellis (Te Akau)
Breeding Commands – Meleka Belle
Sale Lot 395, 2016 Premier Sale, $57,500
Bred by Mrs N M Leicester

NZB Release
Advertisment
More Reading...
$2.8million for Estriella
Tom Magnier loves his I Am Invincible mares and having earlier tonight secured Tiz Invincible for $2.8million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, he paid the same amount for her Group II winning stablemate Estriella, who is by the same sire.
Widden Sell Million Dollar Pair of Mares
In a market dominated by off the track fillies and race mares at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, proven producer Enbihaar proved a hot and timely item and was duly snapped up for $1.6 million in foal to champion sire Zoustar.
Pedigree Watch – Euro 3YO Chester Classic Trials
Godolphin have been dominating the Northern Hemisphere classics in spectacular fashion on both sides of the Atlantic, but Coolmore had their turn at Chester overnight producing a homebred colt from a family with an Aussie offshoot and a sale-topping filly with Derby and Oaks aspirations.
Newgate Turn a Quick Profit with $1million for Eagle Nest
Newgate Bloodstock made a savvy investment at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale last year paying $300,000 for stakes-placed Shalaa (IRE) mare Eagle Nest and 12 months on they were rewarded when selling her for $1million.
Sires With Winners - Thursday May 8
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
White Robe Lodge Announce Fees
Iconic Southern nursery White Robe Lodge has kept things simple for breeders this season with their stallion roster of three – Alflaila, Ancient Spirit and Ghibellines – all to stand at $7,000+GST.
14 Mares Sell for $1million or More - Inglis Chairmans Sale Ignites!
Bella Nipotina tonight became the equal third-most expensive mare ever sold in the Southern Hemisphere when realising $4.2m on a record-breaking evening at the Chairman’s Sale.
Arrowfield Pay $2million for I Am Me
Dynamic Syndications have enjoyed the ride of a lifetime with I Am Invincible mare I Am Me and it ended with fireworks at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale when the $4.7million earning sprinter was sold to Arrowfield Stud for $2million.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday May 7
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Wootton Bassett Fee Announced
During a high octane night of trade at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale Coolmore boss Tom Magnier was active at the top of the market purchasing three stunning mares in Amelia’s Jewel, Tiz Invincible and Estriella and also announced the fee for Wootton Bassett (GB).