Shark, Belle on song

Emerging star Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) looks to have returned in fine order, winning a Te Rapa barrier trial by three quarters of a length.

The Jamie Richards-trained 4-year-old has not raced since last November but looks to have thrived off his break, winning the 900m heat under Michael McNab in 58.21 seconds on a track rated heavy (10).

“We’re very happy with him,” stable representative Mason Stevens said.

“He wasn't asked to do a lot in the wet conditions and he got back and got to the outside and worked home nicely."

Stablemate and reigning NZ Horse of the Year Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) finished third in her 900m heat, but did everything asked of her by jockey Troy Harris.

“She finished third under no pressure whatsoever,” managing owner, John Galvin, of Fortuna Syndications, said.

“Troy was just ecstatic with her effort. This trial is a lead-up to a second trial which will happen here in two weeks’ time. She'll be put under a bit more pressure at that time."

Both are headed to the G2 U S Navy Flag Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on August 17.

Marmelo falls short

Last year's G1 Melbourne Cup runner-up Marmelo (GB) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) was denied back-to-back victories in the G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil at Longchamp first by the judge and then the stewards.

Marmelo, ridden by Ryan Moore was just edged out by a nose over the 2800m having been bumped on the turn by winner Way to Paris (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}).

But Moore's attempt to win the race in the stewards' room also fell short despite Way To Paris' rider Christian Demuro copping a suspension.

While trainer Hughie Morrison was disappointed, he is now setting his sights on the G2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville on his way to possibly taking the 6-year-old back to Australia.

Avilius' (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) half-brother Well Of Wisdom (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) won the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure on the same card.

Winner No.4 for Hallowed Crown

Darley's Hallowed Crown has continued his strong finish to the first season of having runners on the track, with Clearly Regal breaking his maiden at Moruya on Monday.

The Kurt Goldman trained gelding becomes the fourth Australian winner for Hallowed Crown who has had just 12 starters, joining recent impressive Sydney winner Rule The World as well as Let's Cheer Again and Widespread.

He was a $70,000 Magic Millions Golf Coast buy for his trainer. Hallowed Crown stands for $11.000 (inc GST) in 2019.

Aussie jockeys tackle Singapore feature

Four Australian jockeys will head to Singapore on Sunday to ride in the Singapore Derby.

Tommy Berry, Ben Melham, Glen Boss and William Pike will take rides in the feature event at Kranji.

Melham will ride Eye Guy (Bradbury's Luck) for Michael Guy, Berry will ride Heliosphere (Sebring) and Boss is on Circuit Mission (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) for Lee Freedman.

Pike, Australia's leading jockey this season, will ride King Louis (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}) for Ricardo Le Grange.

Purcell still in coma

Cranbourne-based trainer Bruce Purcell remains in an induced coma following a training accident while unloading a young horse off a float at the Cranbourne Training Centre last Friday.

“He’s very critical still,” Australian Trainers’ Association president Robbie Griffiths said. “He’s stable (condition) at the Alfred."

“He’s obviously been dragged in the incident and as a result of that he’s got multiple fractures around his head and face - ribs and everywhere."

“There was some bleeding on the brain and things like that but there’s been some positive signs when they’ve reduced the sedation to see how his sensitivity is to pain and things like that, he’s responded"

“We’re taking that as a positive, a good thing that he’s been in an induced coma to give him a chance to recover. It’s a long road ahead and he’s still in a critical condition but he’s a pretty tough rooster and we’re all hoping.”

Tayla's first trial

Tayla Childs took a major step in following in the footsteps of her Group 1 winning father and brother with her first official trial at Pakenham on Monday.

Childs, Jordan's twin sister and daughter of Greg, is apprenticed to John Moloney at Caulfield and rode Sir Gawain (Duporth) into second in the 1000m trial on the synthetic track.

She needs another 19 trials before she is able to ride in a race, but the 23-year-old is looking forward to getting her chance.

"The Moloneys are very good, I couldn't ask for better bosses or better people to work for than John and Gerard," she told Racing.com.

"And they (Jordan and Greg) have been great as well, I don't think I've given them much of a choice, I'm always sending them my jumpout videos and asking for feedback and advice."

"I've got to ride a minimum of 20 official trials but I'm not really in any rush, I'll take it as it comes and see how I go."

5th Winner For Pharoah

Sweet Melania (USA) (American Pharoah {USA}) became the fifth winner for her freshman sire when she exploded down the lane to take the opener at Saratoga on Sunday.

Bet down as the 8-5 favourite in her third career start and turf debut, the US$600,000 (AU$854,825) Keeneland September yearling tracked the pacesetter in second through a leisurely early pace before striking the front at the quarter pole. The Todd Pletcher-trained chestnut filly accelerated to the wire to secure the win by 1 1/4-lengths.

Another Group 1 For Galileo

Ballydoyle’s heavy favourite Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) was on top at the end of the G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp to add to his stable’s G1 Epsom and Irish Derbys. Always travelling within himself in a share of third, the June 21 G2 King Edward VII S. winner took control with 300 metres remaining and was out of reach as Slalom (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) made inroads after another tardy start. At the line, Japan had a half length to spare over the Wertheimer runner.

“We thought there might be a slow pace so we had to ride him more forward, which is not ideal as when he gets there he waits a little bit and tends to idle,” Aidan O’Brien said. “We have rushed him a little bit race to race this year, so we’re delighted to get this. The plan was to give him a rest and then give him an Arc prep.”