Quality of Melody Belle tells

WELLINGTON: Outstanding mare Melody Belle made it two group 1 wins in succession as she dominated her rivals in the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on Saturday.

Although some were prepared to question her credentials over 1600m, the Tarzino Trophy winner of three weeks ago was installed a warm favourite for the second leg of the Hawkes Bay triple crown.

Malaysianborn jockey Shafiq Rusof made use the Commands 4yrold’s early speed from the inside barrier to position her beautifully on the fence behind a strong speed set by Contessa Vanessa and Sensible Princess.

Approaching the turn, Rusof peeled off heels to issue his challenge as most of the mare’s rivals were struggling to make ground.

Melody Belle quickly established a winning break and scored by more than two lengths from Savvy Coup, Wyndspelle and Seventh Up.

Te Akau stable trainer Jamie Richards, who also won a blacktype feature with last season’s champion 2yrold Avantage, was quick to acknowledge the value of the mare’s barrier draw.

‘‘Barriers win races, don’t they?’’ he said.

‘‘She had trained on beautifully and it’s a big thank you to the team at home who take such good care of her.’’

He also praised Rusof. Richards said Melody Belle loved racing.

‘‘She’s got that real swagger about her and she prances around like she knows she’s pretty good.’’

Melody Belle is raced by the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate managed by longtime stable client John Galvin.

‘‘I think we will just look after her and give her a spell now,’’ Richards said.

‘‘We’ll get her ready for the Railway and then the Telegraph at Wellington.’’ —NZ Racing Desk