Moving Melody (NZ) Secures Black-Type Success

Previously a multiple black-type performer in the North Island, National Weanling Sale graduate Moving Melody (NZ) (Deep Field) has quickly struck at stakes level in the south with success in Saturday’s $120,000 Group Three Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.

Curraghmore offered Moving Melody during the 2021 NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka, where New Zealand Gingkosun Investment Ltd bought her for $90,000. She has now had 21 starts for four wins, six placings and $258,400 in prize-money.

Moving Melody began her career in the Byerley Park stable of Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley, for whom she won twice in 18 starts and also finished third in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) and fourth in the Group Two Westbury Classic (1400m).

The six-year-old has joined Terri Rae at Riccarton for her spring campaign, and her three races from her new quarters have now produced two wins and a second. She won first-up over 1000 metres on August 29, then finished second over 1200 metres to set her up for Saturday’s black-type breakthrough.

Moving Melody was ridden in the Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes by Joe Doyle, who seized the initiative when there was a lack of pace and went forward to dictate terms out in front.

Move On (NZ) (Ghibellines) swept up on the outside with a promising challenge in the home straight, but Moving Melody lifted again and turned her back. By the time she reached the finish line, Moving Melody was three-quarters of a length in front.

“She wasn’t meant to lead, but no one else wanted to,” Rae said. “Joe summed it up well, took control and set it up to suit himself.

“It’s a special win, because we have been planning to get black type with her and she is a mare that definitely deserves it. Her owner is here on course, and I’m sure he has got a real kick out of it.

“We are going to take her home now and see how she comes through the race, but if she pulls up well, then the Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) next Saturday is also in our sights. She is a good horse on a solid speed, and that is how those types of races are run.”