At Thirsk on Saturday afternoon, Melody King became the latest in an ever-expanding band of John Quinn trained juveniles to carry the Phoenix Thoroughbreds colours to victory.
Adding to the exploits of Signora Cabello last season, the son of Kodiac joins Mia Diva and Cobra Eye as two-year-old successes overseen by the master of Malton this term for the Dubai based investment group.
Taking his place in the stalls for the seven-furlong Novice event the colt was a popular choice with punters for a debut success. From the moment the gates opened, he was given a positive ride by jockey Jason Hart with the former champion apprentice keeping things simple by settling his mount just in behind the early pacesetter Robert Guiscard. Sitting off the rail a little to stay out of trouble, the pair continued to track the leader into the home straight. Hart started to wind things up from about three furlongs out, and Melody King soon challenged the long-time leader before moving into an advantage. Challengers began to emerge from the pack with a furlong to go, but the Phoenix colt responded and pulled out a bit more close home to hold off the fast-finishing La Chiffre by just shy of a length.