Monday Melody, a promising colt sired by Snitzel, has garnered approval from trainers Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott in the lead-up to the Group 2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa this Saturday.
Joe Doyle is set to continue his partnership with the three-year-old, who is currently the fourth favourite at +900 for the upcoming Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).
Scott acknowledged the significant step up in competition for Monday Melody, stating, “It's certainly a step up for him, but we think he has continued to improve, and he obviously has to as the competition gets harder and harder.” Expressing contentment with the colt's preparation, Scott added, “We are pleased with the way he has continued to handle the preparation, he's sound and has galloped in a manner that suggests he will race well.”
The outcome of Saturday's race will play a pivotal role in determining Monday Melody's participation in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas. Scott emphasised, “It will be performance-based, and we dearly hope he will put in one to warrant making the trip. Hopefully, he runs the race out in a manner that suggests he can run a strong mile.”
Monday Melody, a A$600,000 purchase at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, boasts a pedigree with strong New Zealand ties, including a second dam, the Group 2 Counties Cup (2200m) winner Jeu De Cartes, and a third dam, the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) and Group 1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Prized Gem.
Reflecting on the colt's demeanour, Scott mentioned, “He has a good level of focus and he's sound and happy; it certainly hasn't been a bother with him still being a colt.”
In addition to Monday Melody, the stable has another 2000 Guineas contender in Almanzor's son Geriatrix, currently priced at $12 in the pre-post market. Scott described Geriatrix as “a sound colt with a good mind and constitution,” highlighting his good turn of foot.
The stable will also be represented by Fabulous Gal and Strathtay at Te Rapa.
Scott expressed confidence in Fabulous Gal, stating, “She is a handy mare, and we think she will run really well second-up from a good gate (five).” Meanwhile, Doyle will partner the unbeaten Preferment four-year-old, Strathtay, in a Rating 65 mile, with Scott noting, “He's going really well and should give another strong account of himself.”