Dolly Spartan working her way up the ladder

By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke believes promising mare Dolly Spartan is well placed at the city midweeks for the time being but could be tempted into a step up in grade if she wins at Ipswich on Wednesday.

Vandyke rates Dolly Spartan as one of the most consistent performers in his Caloundra stables and expects another strong performance from the five-year-old in the 1200-metre Class Three Handicap.

Dolly Spartan won an 1100-metre Class Two at Ipswich on September 3 before a fast finishing second to Simply So in a 1200-metre Class Three at the Gold Coast on September 30.

The five-year-old daughter of Choisir has started 15 times for three wins and 11 placings.

“Dolly Spartan is one of the most consistent horses I’ve got,” Vandyke said.

“She’s very honest and always runs good races.

“At the moment she’s well placed at the city midweeks but I wouldn’t hesitate to give her an opportunity in some of the better races during the summer if her form is good enough.”

Vandyke also will saddle up Maleeka Blues and Blackboots in the Benchmark 65 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1350 metres.

Maleeka Blues was an impressive 1400-metre winner - breaking her maiden status on her home track last start - while Blackboots is coming off a last start fifth to Air Spirit in a 1000-metre Benchmark 65 Handicap at the Sunshine Coast late last month.

“Maleeka Blue was very impressive winning last start and Blackboots will be better suited over 1350 metres,” Vandyke said.

“Both have drawn well and both should run well.”

All three Vandyke-trained starters were ridden by Ryan Maloney at their last appearances but have new riders with Maloney temporarily re-located to Sydney due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Steph Thornton will replace Maloney on Dolly Parton while Brad Stewart rides Maleeka Blues with Jim Orman on Blackboots.

Meanwhile, Vandyke rated Alligator Blood’s performance as “okay” in the Silver Eagle at Randwick last Saturday.

Alligator Blood was ridden by Maloney when second to Godolphin’s Flit in the Silver Eagle.

“It was an okay run and he’ll go on to the Golden Eagle which will be his grand final,” Vandyke said.