Melody Belle Half-Sibling Chases Stakes Success

2YO gelding Tutukaka (Tavistock-Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj), a half-brother to the recently retired 14-time Gr1 winner Melody Belle (Commands) who was sold at last week's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $2.6m to Yulong Farm, is aiming to kick off his stakes-career when he lines up in Saturday's Listed Phoenix Stakes (1500m) at Eagle Farm for New Zealand-based trainer Tony Pike. Second at his first two starts, once in New Zealand over 1300m, before two and a quarter-lengths from the winner over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast on May 16, the $250,000 New Zealand Bloodstock yearling sale purchase should appreciate the step up in trip, especially with his half-sister being at her best at a middle-distance range. Being run at the 1500m for the first time, having been contested over 1350m until 2012 before being changed to 1400m, and now 1500m, the race could be a logical step to the following Saturday's Gr1 JJ Atkins (1600m), and with Tutukaka holding a nomination to the final elite level juvenile race of the season, it would be of no surprise to see him go that way if he comes through the Phoenix Stakes in good order.