Racing: Rivals glad Melt won't be running in Karaka Million

Michael McNab rides Melt to victory at Ellerslie yesterday. Photo / Trish Dunell

Every one of the connections of Karaka Million likely runners are delighted Nigel Tiley's filly Melt will be at home in her box.

The home bred is not eligible.

She will run instead in the Sistema Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie followed by the step to 1400m in the twin Sires Produce Stakes at Group 1.

"She shouldn't have any problem with the 1400m, should she," said Nigel Tiley with a chuckle as he watched Melt come back to the birdcage after winning the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Eclipse Stakes.

He was referring to the class filly's run-on style of racing.

As happy as the winning team was in the birdcage, neither Tiley nor rider Michael McNab thought they would win 250m out. "The plan was to sit off them and let the sprint go," said Tiley. "But they didn't go as hard as I thought they would and she looked a little flat when they sprinted in the home straight."

McNab echoed his thoughts. "They made her work to get to them, but once I really asked her to sprint she took off. It was a good effort because those other placegetters are smart."

She's a Thief led with the favourite Al Hasa outside her. The pair fought each other for the first half of the home straight before Melt stormed down the middle. Bit Lippy flew late to grab second with She's a Thief nosing Al Hasa out of third.