MELODY Belle, a NZ$57,500 Commands yearling from 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier sale improved her record to a fourth Group 1 win, and her third since September, with a well fought victory in the BCD Group Sprint over 1,400 metres. Trained by Jamie Richards, the four-year-old filly signalled her talent early with a win in the two-year-old Karaka Million, that single race returning almost 10-times her purchase price.

“She’s another good horse that David Ellis has purchased at Karaka,” said Richards. “She’s very special and going awesome. Hopefully we can push one more at elite level with her,” he added despite admitting he doubted her ability turning for home, especially following her inexplicable 16th of 18, last start in the Group 1 Telegraph as a $2.50 favourite.