Written by Paul Vettise
A Melbourne spring carnival campaign has been confirmed for the history-making Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands).
“I have met with our trainer Jamie Richards to review all options with respect to Melody Belle’s immediate and ongoing racing plans,” Fortuna syndication company boss John Galvin said.
“Jamie reported that Melody Belle has come through her Triple Crown campaign in great order and he cannot fault her physically. Accordingly, the decision was made that she would campaign in Melbourne in the coming weeks.
“Jamie and I decided that the right race for her in this campaign would be the Group 1 Empire Rose S. at Flemington on November 2.”
The decision to target the 1600 metre feature was made after consultation with Te Akau principal David Ellis and head Singapore trainer Mark Walker.
“We did give serious consideration to the Cox Plate, however the consensus reached was to go for the Empire Rose instead,” Galvin said.
“We did give serious consideration to the Cox Plate, however the consensus reached was to go for the Empire Rose instead.” - John Galvin
If Melody Belle races up to expectations in her Victorian debut, the option of backing up in the G1 Mackinnon S. over 2000 metres a week later will be seriously considered. Regular rider Opie Bosson will make the trip to continue his association with the mare.
“Naturally, the connections are excited to have the opportunity to show off our wonderful race mare in Australia,” Galvin said. “She has carried all before her in New Zealand over the past 15 months winning eight Group 1 races here in that time. Now is the time for her to step up and tackle some of the best horses in Australia.”
Melody Belle will return home after the spring carnival
Melody Belle will return home after the spring carnival with the plan of a return trip in the New Year and a one-race target in Sydney.
“She will be aimed at races such as the Group 1 Futurity S. and the All Star Mile, with a season ending target being the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth S.,” Galvin said.
The reigning New Zealand horse of the Year’s victory in the G1 Livamol Classic was her ninth at the top level and surpassed the domestic record by one of Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).
