Reigning New Zealand horse of the year Melody Belle will embark on the first steps of her final racing journey at the Gold Coast on Saturday, one which holds plenty of sentiment for her trainer Jamie Richards.
The 14-time Group 1 winner will race in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m), the lead-up to her swansong for her connections in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 22.
"Everything seems to have gone according to plan. We were pretty happy with her trial at Rosehill last week and Ashley [Handley, travelling attendant] is happy with the way she has progressed since then," Richards said.
"Over 1800m on Saturday, she might be a shade vulnerable. We're expecting her to take benefit from this weekend's race with a view to having her at her peak for the Doomben Cup over 2000m at her next start."
Melody Belle had her final trackwork gallop at Randwick today before heading to the Gold Coast ahead of her weekend assignment, in which she will be ridden by Opie Bosson from barrier 17.