Melody Belle Brother a Derby Prospect

Meanwhile, some twenty minutes after Danger Strykes (Astern) won the Listed Castletown Stakes at Wanganui (see above), trainer Tony Pike had further reason to smile as promising 2YO Tutukaka (Tavistock) stormed home from near last to finish an eye-catching third in the Listed The Phoenix (1500m) at Eagle Farm. According to NZ Racing Desk, the younger half-brother of recently retired champion mare Melody Belle is being set for the Listed Life Members Stakes (1800m) at the same venue on June 26, with Pike delighted to see his charge finish off strongly over 1500m today. “He was very good and may have even won the race if he drew a barrier as, from gate eight, he had no option than to go back last and ride for luck,” Pike said. “He was really finishing off nicely, with his last 200m his best, so I can’t wait for him to get to 1800m as he should absolutely lap it up. He also got a bit hot in front of the big crowd so the experience will do him the world of good as well.” With a stouter sireline – he’s by a son of Montjeu – Tutukaka finished his stakes race debut off in the manner of a juvenile who mightn’t be out of place over a Derby trip in either the spring or next autumn.