Richards Reflects on Rapid Milestone - 50 Grp/Listed Wins

The Informant/NZ Racing Desk reports:

Melody
Belle's victory in the Gr. 1 BCD Group Sprint at Te Rapa yesterday
marked several milestones for those associated with the outstanding
mare.

The
win provided stand-in rider Troy Harris with his first Group One
success since 2008 as well as securing trainer Jamie Richards his 50^th victory at stakes level.

That
is a remarkable achievement for the 29-year-old who is in his first
full season in sole charge of the Matamata-based Te Akau Racing stables
after commencing his career in partnership with Stephen Autridge less
than four years ago.

“I
wasn't actually aware of it so, if that is correct, then I'm certainly
pleased to reach that mark at this stage of my career,” Richards said
when informed of the milestone.

“My
focus is on the horses that we prepare and I guess if I'm doing my job
properly then those type of records become a bonus along the way.”

Richards
was quick to admit that any prospect of achieving half a century of
stakes wins seemed a remote possibility as Melody Belle appeared to be
struggling mid-way through yesterday's contest.

“I had just about given up on her as she didn't seem to be travelling at all well coming to the home bend,” Richards said.

“My
thoughts drifted a bit to what had happened last time at Trentham and
maybe she was trying to tell us she needed a break. When she picked up
in the straight and finished off like that it made it a very special
win.

“She
left a little bit of feed last night, but that is to be expected. She
was bright as a button this morning and seems to have come through the
race really well.”

Melody
Belle will now head to the Gr. 1 Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic at
Otaki on February 23 before being sent for a well-deserved break.

Richards
also confirmed that exciting two-year-old Probabeel will contest the
Gr. 3 Magic Night Stakes at Randwick on March 16 ahead of the Gr. 1 ATC
Sires' Produce Stakes at the same venue three weeks later.

Owned
by Cambridge Stud proprietors Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Probabeel has won
three of her four starts including a stunning performance in the Karaka
Million 2YO at Ellerslie on January 26.

“She
had 10 days in the paddock after the Karaka Million and really
thrived,” Richards said. “She has come back looking a picture so we're
really excited to be able to confirm where she will be going next.

“Her
main aim is the Sires' in early April, so we will head across before
then for a lead in to that in the Magic Night Stakes in March.

“At
this stage the Golden Slipper (March 23) is still a possibility but
Brendan just wants to keep his options open around that one.”

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