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Opie Bosson knows the time is right for Melody Belle to stop racing. But it didn’t mean he wasn’t affected by it.
Melody Belle ended her racing career at the weekend when finishing fifth in Bosson’s hands in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m), finishing as well as anything behind the runaway winner Zaaki.
She was subsequently sold at auction for A$2.6 million to the Written Tycoon Syndicate.
Bosson rode Melody Belle in 16 of her 40 starts, scoring nine wins and three minor placings. He was unbeaten on her in eight starts and was sad he wouldn’t partner her again.
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A rousing piece of work on the Eagle Farm track on Tuesday from little-known Kiwi gelding Hezashocka has Mick Price buoyant ahead of Saturday s Queensland Derby.
The Shocking three-year-old has recently been transferred to the stables of Price and Michael Kent Jnr after a surprise Group 2 win in New Zealand last month and Price could hardly hide his enthusiasm for the horse after his final gallop before Saturday s G1 classic. He worked super, Price said from Eagle Farm on Tuesday morning. I reckon he will show up. He s a big, long-striding horse. He s a bit green. He s still a bit off-and-on. He s still learning obviously.
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Dual Melbourne Cup Carnival winner True Self ran the race of her life to secure black type at Group 1 level as several horses with an Australian affiliation were in action at the Curragh on Sunday.
The winner of the G3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington the past two years ran third behind Helvic Dream ($9) and Broome ($1.90 favourite) in the €300,000 (A$472,000) Tattersalls Gold Cup (2100m).
The Willie Mullins-trained True Self ($26), ridden by Hollie Doyle, was the outsider of the field with the race held on her non-preferred Heavy ground.
Doyle bided her time at the rear of the field and upon straightening True Self was travelling so boldly it was apparent the eight-year-old mare would play a role in the finish, closing admirably to finish just over a length from Helvic Dream, who edged out Broome by a short head.
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All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo will be spelled after finishing down the track in last Saturday s $700,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m).
Hugh Bowman eased Mugatoo ($6.50) out of the contest when he finished last, 49.5 lengths behind fellow British import and seven-length winner Zaaki ($2.25 favourite).
Mugatoo was found to be lame in his off foreleg by Racing Queensland vets and will require veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Australian Bloodstock co-director Jamie Lovett confirmed that Mugatoo s first start in Queensland will be his final outing for this season. We ve just got to do a few more tests, Lovett said. A couple of little issues have come to light so we re just going to see how that all finishes up.