Melito Not Running Scared Of Black Caviar In Brisbane

Melito is set to run in the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival after her proposed Hong Kong campaign was cancelled.

The four-year-old mare’s connection opted against sending Melito overseas after discovering she would have to spend a total of six weeks in quarantine.

Trainer Gerald Ryan has said that Melito will be facing off against her unbeaten rival, Black Caviar, as part of her winter campaign.

“If we were frightened of Black Caviar there (are) other fillies and mares set-weight options but we are happy to go the Group 1 path again,” Ryan said.

“Whether Black Caviar runs or not in those races, Melito will definitely be there.

“Those races suit our program.”

The trainer quashed rumours that Melito would be retired at the resumption of the winter season.

“The owners are keen for Melito to race on next season,” Ryan said.

“If they were going to retire her, she would have gone to Hong Kong or Royal Ascot before being sent to stud, but she is still racing so well, I think she is going better now than at any stage of her career.”

Before Melito takes on Black Caviar in Queensland, the Redoute’s Choice mare will compete in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes in Sydney this weekend.

“She went into the All Aged third-up last time but goes in four runs this time off a three-week break which should help her,” Ryan said.

“I’m really happy with her condition. She looks great.”

Melito is set to meet Black Caviar in both the Group 1 BTC Cup on May 14 and the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 on May 28.

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