Melody Belle wins Tarzino Trophy Group 1, NZ$200,000 at Hastings, 1400m.

As defending champion, Melody Belle took up where she left off last season with another first class effort here, adding a seventh Group 1 to her imposing record of 12 wins in 22 starts.

She was back and wide early before settling third last starting the first bend. Near the 600m she made ground but nearing the last corner continued to improve yet still stood up the leader more than 10 lengths.

Once balanced she accelerated quickly and from the 200m bounded up alongside the leaders and took over inside the 50m, three quarters of a length to the good at the line.

Wyndspelle sat midfield, one out, from the 800m, moved out five wide near the straight, kept going strongly to be second at the 100m but was outgunned to the line yet a solid run.

From a handy third Helena Baby pulled out three wide turning in, grabbed a narrow lead at the 200m and did well to hold third to the line.

Shadows Cast took over turning in but was caught before the 200m then fought on for fourth from Danzdanzdance who was second last turning in and finished strongly next to the fence for a nice fifth fresh up.