Te Akau Racing, who will make a two-pronged attack on next Saturday’s Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), have confirmed riders for their stable candidates Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) and Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands).
Five-year-old Rip Van Winkle gelding Te Akau Shark will have regular pilot Opie Bosson aboard while ten-time Group One winner Melody Belle will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy.
Bosson was aboard Melody Belle in the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Saturday where she lumped topweight of 57.5kgs into a gallant fourth placed finish.
He will also ride class three-year-old filly Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) who holds a nomination for both the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) and the Gr.1 Coolmore Legacy stakes (1600m) this coming weekend.
Bosson, who has based himself in Sydney for the duration of their autumn racing carnival, rode his 77th Group One winner over the weekend when successful aboard the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Quick Thinker (So You Think) in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m).
