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Melody Belle no certainty to start in G1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill
Melody Belle no certainty to start in G1 Tancred Stakes by Ray Thomas Melody Belle is no certainty to start in the Tancred Image: Getty
Trainer Jamie Richards remains optimistic champion mare Melody Belle will be given the all-clear to line up in the G1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Melody Belle is being closely monitored by veterinarians after she was found to be “tied up” after trackwork on Wednesday morning - this is essentially a build-up of lactic acid in the hind legs.
“It’s not ideal for this to happen in the week of a big race,” Richards said.
Melody Belle on track for Trentham feature New Zealand Racing Desk@nzracingnews 3 January, 2021
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Trainer Jamie Richards had plenty of firepower in racing action on the track at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, but also took the time to stretch the legs of some of his team members being set for upcoming major assignments.
Dual Horse of the Year Melody Belle, exciting three-year-old Need I Say More and Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect Supreme Khan each had a day out in preparation for their respective goals over the next few weeks.
Not seen since her win in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in October, Melody Belle worked home nicely over 1000m which she covered in 59 seconds, coming her last 600m in 34 seconds.