Trainer Jamie Richards wants Melody Belle to bow out of racing in the same way she’s been right throughout her career – super competitive – and he feels she’s made the necessary improvement in the past fortnight to do just that in Saturday’s Doomben Cup.
Melody Belle was knocked around in running before finishing down the track in the Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast a fortnight ago, seven lengths adrift of the winner Zaaki.
Richards said there were a number of reasons that run was below the usual exemplary standard the 14-times Group 1 winner has set during her five seasons of racing.
“We had a few niggling things going on before the Hollindale, nothing of major significance, but enough to think we can improve a bit,” he said.
“Off the face value of her work this week you would say she has, but she needs to.
“She looks in good order, she looks fit and ready. Her coat is starting to turn a little bit, but that’s not to be unexpected at this time of year.
“We’re pleased with the progress she’s made since the Hollindale.”
Richards said he and the owners of the mare are “trying not to think about” what happens after Saturday too much, putting emotion to the side until after the Doomben Cup.
“The main thing with her is that we don’t want her to go out midfield,” he said.
“We want to see her go out in good fashion like she has for the majority of her career.”
Melody Belle is scheduled to be sold at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale next Tuesday, where she could fetch a record figure for the sales company.
“She has stood the test of time,” Richards said.
“Wherever she ends up, she will be covered by the best stallions that money can buy.”
