Doomben Cup Swansong for Melody Belle

The Gr1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 22 remains set as the final start in the storied career of Melody Belle (Commands) following her midfield finish at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Trainer Jamie Richards told NZTM the 14-time Group 1 winner ran well when finishing tenth in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) but that she was unlucky not to finish closer to impressive winner Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux). “I thought she ended up in quite a nice spot from a tricky barrier and looked like she was starting to work home and was going to run fifth or sixth,” Richards opined. “But then she got checked halfway down (the straight) and that was pretty much game over.” Richards conceded Melody Belle would need to improve but he was confident she would be a more formidable challenger in the Doomben Cup. Despite his confidence, Richards said it was hard not to be impressed by Zaaki, who won easily by 2.3-lengths when eased down 50 metres from the finish. “She’d need to improve a bit to beat the winner. He looked to be a very promising horse, no doubt about that.”

Melody Belle will finish her career in Brisbane (pic: Grant Peters)