Photo / Trish DunellNew Zealand's quest to salvage some Group 1 glory in Australia this season could have a couple of surprise new contenders. But as the results in Sydney have shown so far this term, there are few easy targets on the Australian eastern seaboard anymore. So that means life won't be that much easier for Melody Belle when she heads there next month for two more starts before being sold at auction. Avantage will head to the paddock, her ninth Group 1 secured and in most other seasons she would be hot favourite for NZ Horse of the Year after winning five Group 1s this season. But how voters rank her against Melody Belle, who has beaten her three times in Group 1s this season and their other stablemate Probabeel, who has a genuine top-notch couple of kills in Australia, will be interesting.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 18, 2021 10:52 UTC