In awe of a champ

MELODY BELLE IS ON TRACK TO IMPROVE ON HER ALREADY IMPOSING RECORD, WRITES RAY THOMAS

THERE’S not much Kerrin McEvoy hasn’t achieved in his spectacular riding career.

But the champion jockey will break new ground if he can win on Melody Belle in the Group 2 $200,000 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

“I’ve been fortunate to ride some great horses in my time but Melody Belle is the only 10-time Group 1 winner I’ve ridden in a race,’’ McEvoy said.

Melody Belle, the outstanding Kiwi mare trained by Jamie Richards, boasts a race record that places her in rarefied company.

Since the Group and Listed race classification system was introduced in 1978, only 11 Australasian gallopers have managed to win at least 10 Group 1 races.

This list includes four mares with all-time great Winx’s 25 majors a world record. Another mighty mare, Black Caviar is next on 15 Group 1 wins and Kiwi champ Sunline 13.

The legendary Kingston Town won 14 Group 1 races and led the rankings for more than 30 years until the emergence of Black Caviar and then Winx.

Melody Belle muscled her way into this elite category when she won the Group 1 Empire Rose Classic at Flemington during the Cup Carnival last spring.

Her other big-race wins have been in New Zealand.

It doesn’t matter where the Group 1 races are won it takes a special racehorse to win 10 majors.

“I rode Winx in the odd exhibition gallop but when I was on Melody Belle in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (she ran sixth to Addeybb) earlier this year, it was the first time I’d ridden a horse in a race with such a good Group 1 record,’’ McEvoy said.

“I’m looking forward to riding her again in the Missile Stakes, particularly after she trialled so well at Randwick last Friday (pictured).

“She showed me that day she has returned in very good form. I’m confident she will go to Rosehill and put in a bold run even though this is a trip short of her best.

“She still has plenty of speed in her legs and if you go back a couple of preparations she did win a Group 2 first-up over 1200m at Te Rapa. I think she can run really well at Rosehill.’’

Melody Belle is the $3.70 favourite with Ladbrokes to win the weight-for-age sprint. Eduardo is on the second line at $4.60 followed by Godolphin mares Flit at $6 and Savatiano $6.50.

McEvoy, who turns 40 in October, is hoping a first-up win on Melody Belle can set the tone for a successful season for horse and rider.

The champion jockey had a relatively quiet season by his lofty standards in the 2019-20 season, winning just a single Group 1 race on Avilius in the George Main Stakes last spring. He had ridden at least three Group 1 winners the previous 12 consecutive seasons.

Despite an outstanding riding career that has already yielded nearly 2000 winners with 76 at Group 1 level including three Melbourne Cups, two The Everests, Golden Slipper, Caulfield Cup, and major race wins in England, Germany and France, McEvoy says the fire to succeed still burns brightly in him.

“Last year was light for me in terms of majors,’’ McEvoy said.

“But this season I’m very focused on riding at a consistent level, keeping my eye on the ‘ball’ and making my mark at the carnivals.’’

It’s almost 20 years since a youthful McEvoy became an overnight sensation when he won the 2000 Melbourne Cup on Brew.

McEvoy’s star has shone brightly ever since and he has gained international recognition as one of the world’s elite jockeys.

“When I look back on what I have been able to achieve and the races I have been able to take part in both here and internationally, it has been a fun ride so far,’’ McEvoy said.

“I’d have to say winning the first The Everest on Redzel and the Melbourne Cup on Cross Counter for Godolphin were real highlights for me.

“The other race that stands out for me was winning the (English) St Leger on Rule Of Law. To win an English classic in my first season in the UK was very special.’’

McEvoy has ridden many outstanding horses during his career with English stars Shamardal and Dubawi at the top of his list.

“I also have Sepoy right up there, he was a champion two and three-year-old and in recent times, The Autumn Sun, was an outstanding colt and it will be exciting to see what he can do at stud,’’ McEvoy said.

“I will always have a soft spot for Redzel. He was a great horse, a real warrior when it comes to those big sprint races, particularly his two wins in The Everest.’’