Melody Belle on track for latest Group 1 tilt

Regular rider Opie Bosson gave Melody Belle his tick of approval after the Kiwi star edged closer to her raceday return in New Zealand and a possible All Star Mile tilt.

Bosson partnered the 12-time Group 1 winning mare over the weekend when trainer Jamie Richards took the daughter of Commands to Ellerslie for a track gallop in preparation for her latest autumn campaign.

Melody Belle worked over 1000m at the meeting and clocked 59 seconds (last 600m in 34) for the gallop.

“She was on the bridle, quickened, and seemed very happy to be out there,” rider Opie Bosson told the NZ Racing Desk.

“She was flying back to the birdcage too.”

Melody Belle had a track gallop at Ellerslie on Friday and following her run Jamie Richards confirmed to @AidanRodley that she's headed to the Thorndon Mile first up.

Jamie also discussed the upcoming plans for 3YOs Need I Say More and Supreme Khan. pic.twitter.com/UuzDJvUI23

Richards confirmed Melody Belle would trial on January 12 at Matamata and run first up in the Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 30 where she will go in search of a 13th Group 1 win.

The Kiwi star has been nominated for the $5 million All Star Mile at The Valley in March but Richards isn’t likely to make a decision on her Australian assault until his high quality mare makes her return.

Melody Belle finished third in last year’s All Star Mile behind Regal Power and Superstorm before campaigning in Sydney, running fourth in the Doncaster Mile and sixth in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

TAB.com.au list Melody Belle as a $21 chance in All Star Mile betting while she is $26 for both the Doncaster and Queen Elizabeth.

Melody Belle is already a Group 1 winner in Australia, claiming the 2019 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington during that year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Originally published asBosson happy with Melody Belle

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