Visiting New Zealand-trained filly Melody Belle has opened favourite in BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes 2017 betting for her maiden run down under at Eagle Farm Racecourse this weekend in Brisbane.

Kerrin McEvoy rides Champagne Classic winner Tangled in Saturday’s BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes 2017 field. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia.

A capacity field of JJ Atkins-bound two-year-olds will take to the track in Eagle Farm Race 3 at 1:17pm (AEST) on Kingsford-Smith Cup Day this Saturday in a competitive edition of the $250,000 Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).

Of the up-and-comers in the mix for the key lead-up into the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) over a mile back at the track in a fortnight’s time, the bookies have the Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards-trained daughter of Commands Melody Belle installed as the early $4.40 favourite in the markets at Ladbrokes.com.au.

Back home in New Zealand she has enjoyed a trio of wins, most recently the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on April 1.

She blitzed her rivals by a length and a half that day and has trialled once since over 1050m in the wet at Deagon on the outskirts of Brisbane leading up to her first Australian assignment on Saturday.

Proven over the distance and drawn well in barrier nine with Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson riding, Melody Belle shapes-up as a deserving favourite in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes odds and deserves a chance to prove her form from across the Tasman.

Occupying the second line of BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes betting this Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival at a current quote of $5.50 is the flying Chris Waller-trained Tangled.

Equal early favourite in pre-field JJ Atkins odds along with Melody Belle, progressive Snitzel colt Tangled chases a third win on the trot and back-to-back Brisbane victories.

Last time out he enjoyed a half-length Doomben win in the Group 2 Champagne Classic (1200m) and with previous winning form over 1350m, should have no issues stepping up in distance on Saturday.

Kerrin McEvoy retains the ride on the galloper who gets the blinkers on here and could be the one to beat coming off the traditional lead-up.

Following closely are early market mover Malahat ($11 into $7.50) who has been heavily backed despite a double-digit barrier and the undefeated Kiwi Qiji Phoenix ($7) who has the outside alley to overcome.

Darren Beadman saddles-up Godolphin’s untapped Exceed And Excel colt Malahat on Saturday, the Group 3 performed youngster coming off an impressive two and a quarter-length victory at Canterbury over 1200m on May 10.

He was third to Pariah back in late January’s Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) and is in Group company for the first time since on Saturday getting the chance to do the Royal Blue colours proud once again.

Qiji Phoenix suffered an early blow with the wide alley for his first start in Australia, the talented Not A Single Doubt colt having won all three of his starts back home for Donna Logan & Chris Gibbs.

The proven miler earned a trip down under targeting the JJ Atkins after saluting by two lengths in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on April 22.

He’ll be better back over that distance, but is still a top three hope this weekend.

Rounding out the single-figure fancies are Peter & Paul Snowden’s last start Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic winner at the Gold Coast Taking Aim ($8.50) and Capital Gain ($9) for local horseman Paul Butterworth.

See below for the latest BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes 2017 odds, betting open now at Ladbrokes.com.au.

2017 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Odds