Gypsy Goddess may be an Oaks contender

By Glenn Davis

Unbeaten filly Gypsy Goddess has been a revelation for trainer David Vandyke, and can stake a claim for a long-range tilt at next year’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks if she wins her first Stakes race at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Vandyke concedes Gypsy Goddess has caught him by surprise with her three wins to date, and is raising the bar with the Kiwi-bred filly to the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes over 2100 metres.

Vandyke was left scratching his head after Gypsy Goddess failed to fire a shot in three barrier trials before she raced for the first time.

But it was a different story when the daughter of Tarzino won a 1400-metre maiden on debut at the Sunshine Coast in October.

Gypsy Goddess was unwanted in betting starting at $26, before storming home from near last to win decisively.

Vandyke then stepped her up in grade and distance three weeks later and she repeated her winning effort on her home track.

Her last start win in the Eagle Way over 2000 metres was a massive leap in class and underscored Vandyke’s belief that she was an ideal type for the Queensland Oaks which will carry prizemoney of $700,000 next year.

Gypsy Goddess had to overcome difficulties to make it three from three after being speared off on the home turn, before charging home to score by just over one length.

“Her Eagle Way win was very good and it was enough for us to aim up for a Group race,” Vandyke said.

“I didn’t think much of her when she was barrier trialling and her trackwork was very ordinary.

“But she’s just kept improving and she’s in good shape.”

Gypsy Goddess was passed in at the Karaka yearling sales in New Zealand when she failed to attract a buyer despite a $20,000 reserve.

Her mother Invisible Coin never raced but is a sister to Group 1 Flight Stakes winner Cheeky Choice.

She was bought privately by Dr Chris Lawlor after she was passed in and is now raced in a syndicate which includes one of Vandyke’s biggest clients, Bob Jones.

“I’ve got a couple of the Tarzinos in my stable and he was a beautiful staying type and his progeny seem to need a bit of time,” Vandyke said.

“She looks a nice type for an Oaks but I haven’t discussed anything yet with her owners.”

Vandyke said Gypsy Goddess would head for a break after the Grand Prix and would not rule out a Sydney autumn trip.