G1 Windsor Park Plate, $200,000, 1600m
Race summary
The Jamie Richards-trained Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) sat in sixth spot off a hot speed set up by The Mitigator (Master Of Design) and rider Troy Harris edged her closer near the turn.
The top-class mare let down strongly and in a driving finish to post the 11th Group 1 win of her career by a slender margin.
Stablemate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) pushed her all the way, but was unable to get her nose in front at the post and Callsign Mav (Atlante) showed his first-day win in the G1 Tarzino Trophy to be no flash in the pan with a sound run for third.
Pedigree notes
Melody Belle was purchased by Te Akau chief David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Syndications for NZ$57,500 out of Haunui Farms’ draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale.
She is a daughter of Meleka Belle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and she is a half-sister to the winner and multiple black type placegetter Tsarina Belle (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).
Melody Belle hails from a prolific winning family that includes Rock Kingdom (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who was successful in the G1 Epsom H.
G2 Dundeel at Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas, $100,000, 1400m
Race summary
Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) produced a powerhouse display to keep his unbeaten record intact.
A stylish debut winner at Taupo in August, he came with a dashing late run to emulate his late sire, who won the 2012 edition of the race.
Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) finished hard to be a close second with Moana (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) an unlucky third after being denied room in the straight.
Pedigree notes
Aegon was bred by Waikato Stud and sold to co-trainer Andrew Forsman, who has remained in the ownership, for NZ$150,000 at new Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.
He is a son of the Zabeel (NZ) mare Toss Up (NZ) and she has a 100 per cent record at stud with all four foals to race successful.
The pedigree page features the three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}), the G1 Ellerslie Sires’ Produce S. winner Good Faith (NZ) (Straight Trike {USA}), who produced the G3 McNeil S. winner Tully Dane (Danehill {USA}).
Riccarton, Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle, $50,000, 1200m
Race summary
Matchmaker (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) bounced back to her best with a powerful late run to claim top honours and a first black-type success.
A debut winner before finishing runner-up in her only other appearance, the filly settled toward the tail of the field before lengthening stride impressively for Tina Comignaghi.
Laced With Gold (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) raced behind the leading pack and finished off well for second with Stella Creek (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) third.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Inglewood Stud who remains in the ownership, Matchmaker is a daughter of Love Somebody (Fastnet Rock), whose three foals to race have all been successful.
She is a half-sister to the 11-time winner and stakes performer Shaolin Soldier (Exceed And Excel) and their dam is the G2 Stan Fox S. winner Dynamic Love (Brave Warrior).
Her half-sister Key Bar Nights (Anabaa {USA}) won the Listed Sir Douglas Wadey S. and produced Barbed (Canny Lad), who was twice successful at Listed level.
