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TRISH DUNELL
Troy Harris (center) begins his victory celebrations after taking out Group 1 Windsor Park Plate at Melody Belle
In a thrilling finish in Group 1 of Windsor Park Plate (1600m) in Hastings on Saturday, the pairing of Melody Belle and Avantage trained by Jamie Richards produced a one-two result.
Punters had found it difficult to split the two upper-class Matamata mares leading the race and this was proven the day when they chased down Group 1 (1400m) Tarzino Trophy winner Callsign Mav in the final stages before get to the closed line.
After some deliberation, it was last year’s Hawke’s Bay triple crown winner Melody Belle who took the decisive step for rider Troy Harris by capturing the 11th Group One title of her illustrious career.
The six-year-old The Commands responded to their critics in the best way possible after returning from a disappointing Australian campaign recently, which featured two mediocre races at Sydney.
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Richards had a suspicion that he was somewhere near his best for the week, so he showed his old courage and determination to take on Avantage, who seemed to have his measure within the shadows of the winning spot.
“It was a lovely ride from Troy, who had her in the right place all the way,” Richards said.
“Thursday morning I had the feeling that I was back somewhere close to where I needed to be.
“Troy came in and said she gave him a little bit of confidence (with her track work).
“She is a wonderful mare and it is a credit to everyone who has cared for her all along, from the moment Dave (Ellis) bought her and the team that has cared for her here and in Sydney.
“I honestly don’t think he did that badly in Sydney, but he found the right horses without much luck.
Jenny Evans / Getty Images
Tommy Berry in Melody Belle takes part in an exhibition gallop during Sydney Racing at the Royal Randwick Racecourse in July.
“Now he’s back in New Zealand and he loves it.”
Richards warned that the mare is likely to settle down for the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on the final day of the Hastings carnival on October 17, where she will most likely face Avantage again.
TAB Bookmakers reacted to that news by setting up Melody Belle as the $ 2.40 Fixed Odds favorite for the race ahead of Avantage at $ 3.20 with Two Illicit, who finished very well in fourth place on Saturday at $ 6.50.
It was Melody Belle’s 16th win in 33 starts, and her winnings at stake exceed $ 3.67 million. She was a $ 57,500 purchase by Te Akau Racing director David Ellis from the Haunui Farm draft at the 2016 National Yearling Sale in Karaka.
Avantage lost no fans after being within an inch of victory, while local running back Callsign Mav showed that his Tarzino trophy win was no fluke after looking to get his rivals into a lot of trouble as he leapt ahead to 300. meters.
Probabeel, the mare trained by Richards, became a great double for the Matamata stable when she won the $ 1.1m Epsom (1600m) at Randwick in Sydney, while Kiwi-owned mare Verry Elleegant, trained by Chris Waller, was led the $ 550,000 (2000m) Turnbull at Flemington. She is now the likely favorite for the Caulfield Cup.
– NZ Racing Desk
