Te Akau to the fore at home trials
By
2021-01-14T11:14+11:00
It was a big day for trainer Jamie Richards and his team at the Matamata trials on Tuesday, with 32 runners, including star mares Melody Belle and Probabeel.
11-time Group One winner Melody Belle headed into her 1200m heat with plenty of condition, but pleased Richards with her runner-up effort ahead of her Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) target later this month.
“Melody Belle looked pretty big and burly before the start,” Richards said.
“She has got a bit of tightening up to do yet. A big, strong hit-out like that will bring her on and we have got enough time to give her an exhibition gallop before we head to the Thorndon first-up.”
With NZ Racing Desk
Leading New Zealand trainer Jamie Richard will look to head to the All-Star Mile third-up with star mare Probabeel.
Probabeel was one of a number of stars that trialled for Richards at Matamata on Tuesday, with 11-time Group 1 winner Melody Belle among the 32 horses the stable took for a hit out.
It was a pleasing effort from Probabeel, who went on to win her 800m ahead of stablemate and fellow Brendan and Jo Lindsay-owned filly Kahma Lass.
Both Probabeel and Kahma Lass will head to Australia, Richards confirmed.
“I was really pleased with the way they trialled, particularly Probabeel over half a mile,” Richards said.