Karaka Million Heroine Stars Again

Last year’s brilliant Karaka Million winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) returned to Ellerslie a year later and celebrated the anniversary of that triumph in style.

The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained filly was the favourite for the first race of the 2018 Karaka Million Twilight Meeting on Saturday, the $70,000 Group 3 Mongolian Khan Trophy (1200m), and she did not disappoint.

With Opie Bosson in the saddle, Melody Belle swept to the lead 250 metres from home and careered away, outclassing her opposition by three and a half lengths.

“Things just haven’t gone her way in her first couple of runs this preparation, but that was a good effort,” Richards said. “When she gets cover, she can really finish it off.”

Bought for $57,500 at the 2016 Premier Sale by Te Akau principal David Ellis, Melody Belle has now won five of her 10 starts and more than $910,000 in prizemoney for her owners the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate.

Melody Belle was bred by Marie Leicester, who has a half-sister by Not a Single Doubt in Haunui Farm’s draft for Karaka Book 1. The filly will go through the ring as Lot 371.