While almost everybody in New Zealand racing is hoping for a Melody Belle miracle in Brisbane today, our most famous racing export isn't feeling quite so parochial.
Champion expat jockey James McDonald would be satisfied with seeing Melody Belle finish second to his ride Zaaki in her final race, the A$700,000 Doomben Cup.
McDonald rode Melody Belle two starts ago and is close friends of her connections, but his job is to beat her with the heavily-backed Cup favourite.
Zaaki was brilliant when effortlessly beating many in today's field, including Melody Belle, in the Hollindale Stakes on the Gold Coast two weeks ago, and even with the addition of Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet and All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo, is $2.50 to repeat that win today.
In a field that mirrors a Cox Plate more than a near-winter Queensland Group 1, Melody Belle finds herself $15 in her final race before being sold at public auction on Tuesday, destined for a broodmare career.