Melody Belle’s Younger Sister Makes $900,000

Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis showed his strength yet again when he went to $900,000 for a Not a Single Doubt filly from the iconic “Belle” family at Lot 371.

Out of the winning mare Meleka Belle (Iffraaj), she is a half-sister to Karaka Million winner and Group 1 Sires Produce Stakes winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands).

Ellis, who bought Melody Belle here at Karaka two years ago, identified this filly who he believes holds significant value.

“I have been watching this family for the last 40 years,” he said.

“It’s an unbelievable filly family and I thought the cross with Not a Single Doubt was top-class.”

Making a statement, Ellis started with an opening bid of $800,000 silencing the auditorium. International bloodstock agent John Foote came in late with a counter bid of $850,000 and Ellis quickly trumped that with his final bid of $900,000.

“I normally wait until they are on the market before I bid, but I thought I would try and blow them out of the water with one bid,” Ellis commented.

“I will be getting her ready for the Karaka Million – I promise you.”

 Haunui Farm sold Melody Belle at the Sale in 2016 for $57,500. Including the sale of Lot 371, the Karaka-based farm have sold 10 yearlings for $3.32 million at Karaka 2018.