Another Big Win for Melody Belle (NZ)

Karaka graduate Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) has starred on both sides of the Tasman this season, adding Saturday’s A$250,000 Group 2 Mitavite BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm to her big New Zealand wins in the Karaka Million (1200m) and Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).

Bought by Te Akau principal and Karaka’s perennial leading buyer David Ellis for $57,500 at the 2016 Premier Sale, Melody Belle took her career earnings past $875,000 with Saturday’s emphatic win.

Ridden by Opie Bosson, Melody Belle raced away from her highly rated opposition in the straight and scored by four and three-quarter lengths. She became the first New Zealand two-year-old to win the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes since 1986.

“She was a cheap buy ($57,500) at the Karaka sales but she has now won a Karaka Million, a Manawatu Sires and a BRC Sires,” co-trainer Jamie Richards marvelled. “She is a strong filly by Commands from a tough New Zealand family.”

Richards and co-trainer Stephen Autridge prepare the filly for a 32-strong group of owners in the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate, many of whom were in Brisbane for the race.

Bosson was delighted with the filly’s performance on Saturday, particularly as she heads towards a shot at another Group 1 win in the JJ Atkins (1600m) in two weeks’ time.

"She has taken a lot of confidence since she won the Karaka Million in January. She put herself into the race and finished hard," Bosson said.

Melody Belle was bred by Marie Leicester, whose parents James and Annie Sarten founded the iconic ‘Belle’ family line. She was offered in Haunui Farm’s 2016 Premier Sale draft. A half-sister to Melody Belle was offered at this year’s Select Sale, selling to Shaune Ritchie for $100,000.