Big future tipped for Express Fantasy

By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke believes slow maturing mare Express Fantasy can complete a hat-trick of wins ahead of a future staying career at Doomben on Wednesday.

Express Fantasy steps out in the Class Three Handicap over 1350 metres with stable rider Ryan Maloney in the saddle.

The lightly raced Express Fantasy was bred in New Zealand and is a daughter of Shamexpress out of the Zabeel mare Fantasy World, making her a half-sister to Raghu - a placegetter in the 2016 Group 1 New Zealand Derby.

Express Fantasy is a five-year-old but has started only four times for two wins and as many placings.

“There were plenty of people chasing her at the Premier sales in New Zealand before we got her for $360,000,” Vandyke said.

“She’s only had a few starts because she’s been so slow to mature.

“There’s been nothing wrong with her and it’s just taken time for her legs and mind to come good.”

Express Fantasy won her maiden at Doomben on July 8 before romping home by almost four lengths at her last start at the Sunshine Coast on August 5.

“She’s on top of her game right now and both her wins were dominant,” Vandyke said.

“This is only a small field tomorrow but she’ll very competitive and will be hard to beat again.

“She’s very progressive and potentially she’s a black-type mare.”

Vandyke has no immediate plans for Express Fantasy and is content to go through the restricted ranks.

“She’s out of a nice staying family and eventually she’ll step up in distance and hopefully make the grade as a stayer,” he said.

Vandyke also will saddle up McCovey Cove in the colts and geldings Class Handicap (1350m).

McCovey Cove, a son of Husson, was an impressive last start maiden winner at Doomben in November last year.

“He’s first-up and will need luck from an awkward draw but this is a nice race for him to kick-off,” Vandyke said.

Meanwhile Vandyke's star galloper Alligator Blood finished second in an 850-metre barrier trial at the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday morning.

Alligator Blood was ridden off the speed in third place by Maloney and went down by a half neck to Secret Spirit in 49.52 seconds, with the last 600 metres in 33.46 seconds.

"It was okay and he seemed to pull up well straight after the trial," Vandyke said post-trial.

Alligator Blood will resume in a Quality race over 1100 metres at Doomben on September 12 ahead of a Sydney spring campaign.

The four-year-old has not started since finishing 10^th to Regal Power in the Group 1 All Star Mile at Caulfield in mid-March.

It followed his brilliant wins in the Group 3 Colin Hayes Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in February.

Alligator Blood has also been nominated for the Australasia's weight-for-age championship, The Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 24.