Photo: Grant Peters
Gypsy Goddess has continued her bad run of luck with barriers after drawing the outside gate in the 18-horse field for Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
It is nothing new for the daughter of Tarzino who has had to overcome wide draws in her previous outings this preparation when placing in the Gr.1 Vinery Stakes (1850m), Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m), and Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m).
“It is a terrible barrier,” trainer David Vandyke said.
“I am glad that we have got the Wiz (jockey William Pike) on, he will have to bring out his best and have a bit of luck too.
“I will leave it up to Willie, I am not too sure where she will be in the run.”
Despite the draw, Vandyke has been pleased with his filly heading into the weekend.
“She has got good form going into this and she deserves to be favourite as far as ability goes,” he said.
“We have kept lifting the bar and she has kept jumping through the hoops.
“She has gone pretty much from a maiden win at the start of this campaign to being placed twice in Group One company.
“It has been a massive preparation and she certainly deserves her place in Saturday’s field and hopefully she can go out a Group One winner.”
Vandyke has become a fan of her sire Tarzino and went home with three yearlings by the Westbury Stud sire from Karaka in March.
“I have got a few by Tarzino,” he said. “I love the breed, they are tough but they just need a little bit of time.
“I bought three Tarzinos from Karaka. I have still got to syndicate them so I am hoping Gypsy can win on Saturday to help me get them done.”
Gypsy Goddess is yet another quality galloper raised at Gordon Cunningham’s Curraghmore but she failed to meet her $20,000 reserve when offered as Lot 1145 in the Book 2 session of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
Co-bred by highly-regarded veterinarian Chris Lawler, who also purchased and raced her sire Tarzino, Gypsy Goddess is out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Invisible Coin.
Lawler remains in the ownership of Gypsy Goddess, racing her with a syndicate that includes Bob Jones, one of Vandyke’s biggest stable clients.
Tarzino has already hit the headlines in recent weeks as the sire of Jungle Magnate, who won the Gr.1 South Australia Derby (2500m), with Gypsy Goddess looking to become the young stallion’s second Group One winner from his first crop. – NZ Racing Desk
