Tough filly Melody Belle surprised even co-trainer Jamie Richards yesterday to become the first New Zealand-trained horse in 31 years to win the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes.
To the cheers of 15 of her 32 owners who made the trip across the Tasman, Melody Belle raced away in the straight to beat Taking Aim by 4 lengths in the Eagle Farm feature.
She was the first Kiwi to win since the Bruce Marsh-trained Mr Shannon in 1986.
Richards said he believed there was some improvement in the filly as she heads to the group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes on June 10.
"She is a strong filly by Commands so I am confident she can run a strong 1600 metres in the Atkins," he said.
"She was a cheap buy [$57,500] at the Karaka sales but she has now won a Karaka Million and a BRC Sires."
Richards believes Melody Belle, who was promoted to $2.80 favourite by Australian bookmakers for the Atkins, can develop into a spring filly with races like the Thousand Guineas and the Caulfield Guineas in mind.
- AAP