It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song (Written Tycoon), a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle (NZ), makes her debut.
Raced by New Zealand syndicator Fortuna, Melody Belle won 19 races for former Te Akau trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, including 14 at Group One level. She accrued more than $4 million in prize money and was crowned New Zealand Horse of the Year in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Following her racing career, she was offered at Magic Millions’ 2021 Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale where she was purchased by Yulong Investments for A$2.6 million.
Her first mating was with resident stallion Written Tycoon, with the resulting foal being Lyrics ‘N’ Song, who would be entrusted to the care of Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne barn.
The now three-year-old filly has had three jumpouts, including winning her last outing over 1000m at Cranbourne, and she has made a good impression on Walker.
“She has jumped out nicely and she has inherited some of mum’s ability, I don’t know how much yet, but I think she is well above average at this stage,” he said.
“We are very grateful that Yulong gave us the first foal to train, and hopefully she is a good broodmare for them.”
Lyrics ‘N’ Song will line-up in the Drummond Gold Plate (1200m) on Friday and Walker is looking forward to seeing how she performs under the pressure of racenight.
“It has come up quite a strong field, there is a fair bit of depth to it, but she has drawn nicely (1) and should acquit herself well,” he said.
On Saturday, Walker will take three runners to Flemington, including debut winner Azazel (NZ) (Shocking), who will contest the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m).
“I liked it (debut run) because he was headed and he fought back and he was really strong through the line,” Walker said.
“I think Flemington will suit him over 1800m, it is just hard weighing up different form lines. I see they have put him up as a $23 shot, but I certainly rate him a better chance than that.”
A race prior, Walker will have a dual-pronged attack in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) courtesy of debutants Harry Met Sally (Yes Yes Yes) and Flash Of Class (Capitalist).
“They have had three jumpouts and they have had the benefit of a jumpout down the Flemington straight,” Walker said. “They have been well schooled.
“They are all first starters and have got different form lines, so it is hard to weight it up.”
Meanwhile, back in New Zealand, Te Akau Racing’s Matamata barn will be seeking to take out their home cup, the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m), with My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High).
The Group Three winner had only been fair in her trials early in her prepation, but Walker, who trains in New Zealand in partnership with Sam Bergerson, was buoyed by her first-up run at Ellerslie last month.
“Her trials before her first start were a bit below par, but I thought her run first-up was quite good and she has improved,” he said. “She is down on the minimum and a wet track shouldn’t worry her.”