Melody Belle ‘vulnerable’

Reigning New Zealand horse of the year Melody Belle will embark on the first steps of her final racing journey at the Gold Coast today.

Matamata-based trainer Jamie Richards will produce the 14-time Group I winner in the Group II Hollindale Stakes (1800m), the leadup to her swansong for her current connections in the Group I Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 22.

‘‘She’s had such a wonderful career, but we’re not going to Queensland to make up the numbers,’’ Richards said.

‘‘Everything seems to have gone according to plan. We were pretty happy with her trial at Rosehill last week and Ashley [Handley, travelling attendant] is happy with the way she has progressed since then.

‘‘Over 1800m on Saturday, she might be a shade vulnerable. We’re expecting her to take benefit from this weekend’s race with a view to having her at her peak for the Doomben Cup over 2000m.

‘‘The 1800m this weekend will tidy her up nicely for a shot at one last Group I race.’’

Melody Belle had her final trackwork gallop at Randwick midweek before floating to the Gold Coast where she will be ridden by Opie Bosson from barrier 17.

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