1 hour ago
3
Craig Kerry
May 14, 2026 — 5:00pm
Mikayla Weir believes Melody Again is “on point” and set to get the tempo she needs to win the group 3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) again at Scone on Saturday as the Upper Hunter jockey chases a first stakes victory.
Weir and Scone trainer Scott Singleton have teamed for two Highway Handicap wins in the past three weeks, and they head to their region’s premier carnival on Friday and Saturday with nine hopes together.
The highlight is a first race ride for Weir on Melody Again, which delivered Singleton a career highlight last year in the Dark Jewel as a $41 shot with a rails run under Christian Reith.
The six-year-old has not won since but has raced well at a high level, coming third in the Festival and Newcastle Stakes and finishing a length away fourth in the group 1 Coolmore Classic.
An $11 TAB chance this year in the fillies and mares feature, Melody Again has to overcome a draw in 19. Weir hoped the spacious Scone track and capacity field would give her every chance to power home again.
“She gets back anyway and I think there will be enough speed,” the Singleton-based jockey and rodeo rider said.
“They will rock on enough to bring her into the race, and home track advantage is a huge thing. She’s working really well. I rode her this morning and she seems to be on point.
“Everyone gets their chance there and I think she will get a crack at them.”
Singleton was “happy to put a line through” Melody Again’s most recent run, when finishing well back in the group 1 Queen Of The Turf, where Pride Of Jenni set a brutal early pace.
“The way Pride Of Jenni runs her races, it takes the finish out of a lot of horses,” Singleton said.
“They ran home in only 36, but she just gassed everything the first half.
“You have to bear in mind, too, that is a massive drop in grade this week, so I’m going there with a little bit of confidence that she’s good enough if she gets the right run.
“She’s definitely in better form on paper. Last year she’s only won at Dubbo the start before.”
Weir and Singleton also have a chance with first-starter Ole Steele ($19) in the listed Woodlands Stakes (1100m). Weir has ridden her in two Muswellbrook trial wins, the second of which she finished 7.5 lengths clear.
“She’s a really progressive filly,” said Weir, who has ridden more than 650 winners without a stakes race victory.
“Every time she steps out at the trials, she’s progressed. She’s got mentally so much better each time as well.
“We won’t be looking to lead. She’s led her trials, but she’s pretty versatile in her work. From the good draw, I’ll help her out, but I’ll just ride her where she’s happy and let the race unfold.”
Singleton was pleased to get a gun draw in two for the debutante.
“I just thought she couldn’t have been more impressive in that trial, and she’s come on again since, so we think she can run some sort of race,” he said.
“I’m sure she’s a handy filly. Just how handy, we’ll see on Saturday.”
Weir, who also rides Spenzalot ($15) for Singleton in the Highway Handicap, hoped to make the most of the city-level chances.
“It’s nice that Scott is so loyal and gives me these opportunities, that I’m not just a country jockey, I can execute when needed,” she said.
“I’m happy doing what I’m doing and with what I am, a country rider, and when someone is happy to stick by me and give me opportunities, I’m more than happy to grab them with both hands.”
“Scott is really good at placing the horses and that’s a really big factor. He rides a lot of work himself so he knows how the horses are going, which is always a handy insight.
“He’s very good to ride for. He doesn’t give me a lot of instructions. He says, ‘you’re out there, you know what you are doing, do your best’.”
