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Melody Belle wins 2017 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes Group 1 NZ$225,000 at Awapuni (NZ) 2yo, 1400m.
Melody Belle may have cemented top ranking among the two-year-olds with a decisive win here despite a nine week break from her last start win in the Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m). Substituting for Opie Bosson, jockey Michael McNab secured a very handy spot from barrier six, settling fourth, one out and one back of the lead. McNab nudged forward to third just before straightening and found a nice split at the 300m. He gave her a couple of taps and at the 200m they bounded into the lead. After that, it was only a matter of keeping her going and she had them well covered inside the 100m and was going way at the post by a length and a half for win three from five starts.
Belle Du Nord put up a great run, was last at the 400m, saved ground along the fence and ran up to grab a brief lead only to be outfinished yet staying on well to hold second.
Joyfilly was second most of the journey (one out), took over narrowly at the 300m and battled away for a solid third. Fillies filled the first three positions.
Star Treasure was four wide yet handy turning in, then ran on fairly to nab fourth just short of the post.