Te Akau’s trans-Tasman thrills

It’s another busy weekend for Te Akau on both sides of the Tasman. In Australia, 10-time Group One winner Melody Belle will vie for the the lion’s share of the rich A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield tomorrow, while in Sydney last start Group One winner Probabeel will contest the Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m).

Richards was delighted to have drawn barrier five with Melody Belle and was pleased when watching her track gallop on Tuesday.

‘‘It’s (barrier five) a big help and thanks to Dad for picking that out,’’ Richards said. ‘‘We are not going to go too far back, we have got options and I think that is important.’’

Further north at Rosehill, Probabeel will be out to continue her picket fence form line in the Phar Lap Stakes, a race Richards favoured over the Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) on the same card.

‘‘She will run in the Phar Lap and will stay against her age group at this stage,’’ he said.

‘‘We did give serious consideration to the Coolmore, but she is just not well weighted under the handicap scale, three kilos outside of weight-for-age against some of those older mares.

Meanwhile, closer to home Richards will be hoping to add more stakes success to his tally at Trentham tomorrow.

Richards is expecting an improved performance from Te Akau Caliburn in the Listed Lincoln Farms New Zealand St Leger (2600m) after his unplaced run in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m), but cited track conditions didn’t suit the five-year-old.

Te Akau Caliburn will be joined by stablemate Swing Note and Richards believes the distance of the race is ideal for the mare. Richards will cap the meeting with three runners in the Gr.2 Carfinance.co.nz Wellington Guineas (1400m).

Star Of Bombay heads into the race off the back of her victory in the Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack Stakes (1300m) and Richards believes her character will take her a long way. NZ Racing Desk