Kiwis tardy with entries

PRE-POST punters were aghast yesterday when J.J. Atkins hotpot Melody Belle was not among first acceptors for the Group 1 race on June 10.

Speculation mounted as to whether the filly, the $2.40 favourite, had gone amiss but it soon emerged Te Akau Racing had overlooked the deadline.

Stablemates Shocking Luck (Derby) and Splurge (Stradbroke) were also omitted.

Te Akau said the omissions came as a result of a “communication misunderstanding” around the deadline but indicated both Melody Belle and Shocking Luck were definite runners next week, assuming they are fit and well.

“While we are very disappointed, Te Akau accepts full responsibility and has rectified the matter accordingly,” the New Zealand-based stable stated.

The late entry fee for each race is $18,000.