The heavens opened at Ellerslie, but it didn’t rain on Melody Belle’s (NZ) (Commands) parade. The outstanding mare bagged another prestigious title to end her dream season on an emphatic note.

Already the owner of Group 1 crowns this term in the Tarzino Trophy, Windsor Park Plate, BCD Group Sprint and the Haunui Farm WFA Classic, she closed out with a dramatic victory in the G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand S.

Melody Belle was making her first appearance beyond 1600 metres, and her first-up success over 2000 metres has now opened up more options for her next campaign.

And the jockey who guided her success also rode wrote himself into New Zealand history by surpassing Lance O’Sullivan’s tally of 63 Group 1 winners.

“Lance was a champion jockey and he’s a champion bloke. It’s very humbling,” Bosson said.

The New Zealand S. had been billed as a match race between Melody Belle and Danzdanzdance (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and it didn’t disappoint.

The two mares were at it hammer and tongs for the final 300 metres before Melody Belle dug deepest to earn a well-deserved break.

“I thought Danzdanzdance had me when she came alongside,” Bosson said. “My mare just put her head down and I love her to bits.

“She's not naughty or anything and knows her job. She’s just the ultimate professional. There’s nothing better than to see two top animals knuckling down like that.”

Trainer Jamie Richards said Melody Belle will be heading straight for a spell after a memorable season.

“She’s going to the paddock and hopefully as the Horse of the Year,” he said. “She’ll have a nice break and come back on May 1. We’ll look at something similar as last spring and then we might go to Melbourne.”

The G1 Cox Plate will be the major target of her next preparation.

“Hopefully the mare of the world (Winx) will have retired by then. That might make it a bit easier.”

There was honour in defeat for Dandanzdance who is on an Australian path.

“She’s been doing a bit too well, that’s why we came here. We’ve been happy with her, her work has been good and she looks great,” co-trainer Michelle Bradley said.

While it was a tough slog over 2000 metres on a heavy track, it certainly won’t get any easier from here on in for Danzdanzdance. She is on her way to Sydney for the G1 Ranvet S. and the G1 Queen Elizabeth S.

Surgery realises full potential

Gelding has brought out the very best in the talented youngster Yourdeel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}), who produced a tenacious performance to reign supreme in the G1 Sistema S.

Melody Belle’s stablemate was pressed all the way down the straight and looked in major trouble 200 metres from home before raising another effort for a slender victory.

“A very sharp knife has been the to key this horse,” Richards said.

“He was on the toe in the parade ring before the race so you can imagine what he was like as a colt.”

Yourdeel was forced wide in the early stages to get near the pace after jumping from a wide gate and he eventually settled in second spot. He got to the front early in the run home and earned a gold star for courage under pressure by rallying to take the thick end of the stake.

“It was a huge effort. He toughed it out and he’s a very special horse,” Richards said.

Yourdeel was ridden by stable jockey Bosson, who had nothing but praise for his gallant mount.

“He over-raced a bit early and I thought he can’t keep this up,” he said. “We got into the best part of the track and I got stuck into him.

“He’s very tough and he’s a top quality horse.”

The filly Aalaalune (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) got home strongly from the tail to finish a close second and will be even more competitive once she gets over more ground. The G1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires Produce S. at 1400 metres looks an attractive option for her.

Aretha (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) enjoyed a good run and boxed on for third ahead of Bavella (NZ) (Snitzel) and the Australian filly Just Zerene (Zoustar). She played up before the start, but jumped well to race with the pace and had her chance.

Glory Days lives up to her name

The G1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup delivered a round of firsts at the highest level when Glory Days (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) outstayed her rivals.

It provided the 2018-19 jockeys’ premiership winner Samantha Collett with her first Group 1 winner, as it did trainer Bill Thurlow and, of course, his gallant Glory Days.

“To get this is great. I’m just so rapt for Bill as well who entrusted me with the ride. Full credit to the mare too.”

Glory Days, who was well-fancied after claiming the G2 Avondale Cup in her lead-up outing, minded her own business at the back of the field before Collett urged her forward 1000 metres from home.

“I knew we’d get back and I didn’t panic. I just wanted to be in the right spot on the corner and she just dragged me there,” Collett said.

Glory Days burst to the front 300 metres from home and it was game over from there. She quickly put a margin on her rivals for the 10th win of her 24-start career with Five To Midnight (Domesday) again runner-up after finishing second last year and Blue Breeze (NZ) (Bullbars) took third..

“It’s unbelievable. I don’t know what to say – the horse has just said it all,” Thurlow said.

Once he had his emotions in check, the Waverley-based horseman said he felt their pre-race plan was falling into place a fair way out.

“Down the back I could see that she was travelling sweetly and when she circled the field it all went to plan from there. I knew she wouldn’t stop – it’s awesome.”

Thurlow has yet to commit to Australia with the mare, but a tilt at the G1 Sydney Cup is a distinct possibility.

“We’ll get her home and back on the farm and see how she is, but there’s a good chance now,” he said.