Kiwi champion Melody Belle heading towards the All-Star Mile but stablemate Te Akau Shark to skip Melbourne meet

New Zealanders will get the chance to back their own in the All-Star Mile, with trainer Jamie Richards calling on Kiwis to vote for star mare Melody Belle to make the $5 million race.

Melody Belle has been set for the All-Star Mile. Picture: Michael Klein

One champion Kiwi Melody Belle will target the All-Star Mile but star stablemate Te Akau Shark will miss the Melbourne carnival and head to Sydney instead.

Chris Waller yesterday also nominated eight horses for the All-Star Mile headed by Kolding, Verry Ellegant, Kings Will Dream, Night’s Watch and Funstar and final entries will close at midday today.

Te Akau Racing trainer Jamie Richards has planned for Melody Belle to run in the $5 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield on March 14.

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/month, cancel anytime. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Melody Belle has been set for the All-Star Mile. Picture: Michael Klein

Richards said he hoped New Zealanders would get behind her in the voting to ensure she would gain a start.

“Hopefully they’ll want to see her get a run. She’s been a star at home so I would expect they’ll vote for her.”

Richards applauded the inclusion of New Zealanders in the voting for the All-Star Mile and he hoped that it would generate more interest in racing.

“Any new initiative which can bring greater interest and get people talking is good for racing,” Richards said.

Even if Melody Belle didn’t get enough votes, she’d be close to the top of the wildcards based on her efforts at home in New Zealand where she has won nine Group One races.

Te Akau Shark will skip the Melbourne carnival. Picture: Michael Klein

MORE RACING NEWS:

Magic Millions: Aim firms as favourite after barrier draw but Tommy Berry wary of big task

John Singleton-bred stallion alive as negotiators work to secure release after Libya terror raid

She then came to Flemington last spring and won her tenth Group One race in the Empire Rose Stakes and she then finished second in the Mackinnon Stakes behind Magic Wand.

“Magic Wand then ran well when second in the Hong Kong Cup and we were unlucky not to beat her in the Mackinnon Stakes,” he said.

Richards said Melody Belle had a month’s spell which she needed.

“I think she’s in the best condition she’s ever been in.”

Melody Belle will an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie on January 25 and then will trial at Te Aroha on February 4 before heading to Melbourne.

She will run in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22.

Richards said Te Akau Shark would miss Melbourne and campaign in Sydney where the tracks would have more give as he was concerned the Caulfield track would be too firm for him.

Richards said Te Akau Shark would run in the Chipping Norton Stakes, the George Ryder Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth Stake.

Both Te Akau Shark and Melody Belle will be aimed at next year’s Cox Plate.

Te Akau Shark will resume at Te Rapa on February 8.

Originally published as Kiwi champion Melody Belle heading towards the All-Star Mile but stablemate Te Akau Shark to skip Melbourne meet