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Melody Belle wins Livamol Classic Group 1, NZ$250,000 at Hastings, 2040m.
Melody Belle ,New Zealand's reigning Horse of the Year, created history, bolting clear to be the first to win the Hastings Spring Group 1 Triple Crown, adding a NZ record ninth Group 1 in the process.
She began well but at the post with a circuit remaining dropped back to fourth (rails). Rounding the far turn into the back straight she drifted to eighth where rider Opie Bosson got her off the fence.
Midfield from the 1200m she held steady but at the 800m Bosson moved her forward and although widest from the 600m she was able to keep improving which put her third, four wide, at the top of the straight.
She cruised up to the leader inside the 300m and from there she took command, racing right away by three and a half lengths at the line.
Peso was second at the 1200m, ran up and took over the lead at the 800m and led to the 300m where he was caught. He had no chance with the winner but kept going quite well for second.
Crown Prosecutor was third last at the 800m, still well back turning in but finished very well the last 100m to nab third, well clear of Dolcetto who battled away to hold fourth.