Outstanding mare Melody Belle also created domestic racing history with her 14th Group 1 victory to surpass the great Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}) with the most top-flight titles collected by a New Zealand-trained thoroughbred.
13 of those victories have been won in New Zealand, while of Sunline's 13 Group 1s, ten were in Australia, two in New Zealand and one in Hong Kong.
Sword Of State has now won four of his five starts and connections are giving consideration to backing-up in next Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper S.
“There’s certainly a chance that he will. We will have a team chat and we have tentatively booked a flight, he’s a pretty exciting colt,” Te Akau Principal, David Ellis, said.
“There’s certainly a chance that he (Sword Of State) will (start in the G1 Golden Slipper S.). We will have a team chat and we have tentatively booked a flight, he’s a pretty exciting colt.” – David Ellis
Te Akau had enjoyed a five-timer on Derby Day last weekend with stakes triumphs from Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel), Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) and that mouth-watering entrée was surpassed by the quality of Saturday’s main course.
Sword Of State started the ball rolling with a dominant display and drew clear in the straight to comfortably account for his barnmate On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau).
“He’s a very valuable colt and it’s great to see him keep improving. He obviously likes to be in front and the team have done a great job with him, it’s been a big effort,” Richards said.
“On The Bubbles ran into a very good colt and it’s great to have two horses of such quality in the stable.”
Sword Of State was taken straight to the lead by rider Opie Bosson and when On The Bubbles challenged early in the run home, he responded quickly to sprint clear and lead home a Te Akau quinella.
Bred by Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock, Sword Of State was purchased by David Ellis for $600,000 out of Newgate Farm’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is a son of the 2-year-old winner In The Vanguard (Encosta De Lago), who was also runner-up in the G2 Sweet Embrace S.
Sword Of State as a yearling
Belle back in style
Melody Belle bounced back in fine fashion from a previous unplaced performance in the G1 Herbie Dyke S. at Te Rapa as the clock counts down on her glorious career.
“She’s just such a wonderful mare. She’s a champion and champion's bounce back. She’s sound, happy and easy to train and just goes about her business,” Richards said. “We are all so proud of her.”
Melody Belle was settled toward the back of the field by jockey Troy Harris and they came with an undeniable finish to down stablemate Avantage (Fastnet Rock).
“It was a fantastic win and I’m thrilled for Troy (Harris, jockey). Where we go to now I’m not sure. She’s on her farewell tour and we’re looking at Sydney and Brisbane,” Richards said. “Her pet trip is 2000 metres so we’ll be looking at all the options.”
Melody Belle is raced by the John Galvin-managed Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate and will be offered at public auction later this year, although the venue has yet to be confirmed.
Harris, now unbeaten in four rides on the mare, had an inkling she was ready to fire up at Ellerslie.
“I ride her most mornings too, so I know her really well. She’s been feeling great since the G1 Herbie Dyke last month and I think her work this week has been just as good as it was leading into her Livamol win in the spring,” he said. “She’s a special horse and she’s been so good to me all the way through.”
