Sunland: Melody Lady looks like strong pedigree play in El Paso Times

When it comes to pedigree, Melody Lady has every one of her rivals beat Saturday in the $50,000 El Paso Times at Sunland Park. She’s a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winners Unbridled’s Song and Lady Tak and the family foundation should serve her well when she makes her stakes debut in the 6 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies.

The El Paso Times drew a field of eight, including Shesatopattraction, winner of the $56,000 Truth or Consequence, an overnight stakes at Zia, and Flamboyance, a winner of two of her last three starts since moving from New Mexico to Southern California.

But it is Melody Lady who figures to go favored. She is the second foal to race from millionaire Lady Tak and she became her dam’s first winner on Dec. 13 at Fair Grounds. Melody Lady won a maiden special weight sprint by 2 3/4 lengths in what was her second career start, and for the effort earned a strong Beyer Speed Figure of 84.

Steve Asmussen, who trained Lady Tak, also trains Melody Lady, who races for Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings and Edward McGhee.

Melody Lady has natural speed and she could set the pace, or track Shesatopattraction or Flamboyance, from her outside post. Casey Lambert has the mount from gate 7.

Shesatopattraction won the Truth Or Consequence on Dec. 4 by three lengths over Flamboyance, and earned a career-high Beyer Figure of 63. The field also includes Challenging, a seven-length debut winner last out at Sunland with a Beyer of 71.