Jamie Richards happy with Australian runs of Melody Belle & Embellish

Melody Belle
Melody Belle
Co-trainer Jamie Richards headed home from Sydney on Sunday morning pleased with the efforts of stable runners Melody Belle and Embellish despite them both finishing unplaced in their initial Australian assignments.

Richards was with three-year-old filly Melody Belle who made her Sydney debut with a strong effort for fifth in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m).

“We were pleased with the effort despite her finishing out of the money,” he said.

“Rory Hutchings rode her and said she travelled well to the corner but just didn’t have the explosive burst of finishing speed like those good Sydney fillies.

“She kept coming nicely and I think she is probably looking for further than 1200m now. She will go to the Surround Stakes over 1400m next where we think she will be better suited.”

Richards believed Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Embellish would also benefit from a step up in distance after finishing 6th over 1400m at Flemington.

“Embellish ran well but was a little one-paced in the run home,” he said.

“He was dropping back to 1400m and just didn’t have the acceleration when he needed it against a hot field.

“Provided he comes through the run okay he will step up to the mile in the Group 1 Australian Guineas next.

“It doesn’t get any easier for him but more ground will definitely be in his favour.”

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments