Trainer David Vandyke after Lotto-like windfall

By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke has never won the lotto but his dream could be matched if he pulls off a near $7 million first prize windfall with glamour stayer Gypsy Goddess and star sprinter Weona Smartone at Rosehill on Saturday.

Gypsy Goddess - who was recently crowned Queensland Three-Year-Old Horse of the Year - steps out in the $10 million Golden Eagle over 1500 metres while Weona Smartone runs in the $3 million Nature Strip Stakes over 1300 metres.

Gypsy Goddess returns to the race track for the first time since winning the Group 1 Queensland Oaks over 2200 metres at Eagle Farm in June.

The daughter of Tarzino was virtually unwanted in the sale ring because of her parrot mouth and has had two barrier trials to prepare for her first-up assignment.

Weona Smartone is coming off a close third in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 15.

“It’ll be like winning the Lotto if we happen to win in Sydney,” Vandyke said.

“Gypsy Goddess has trialled well and she’s going better this preparation than at any time previously.

“I’m happy with the way she’s going now and she knows what she has to do.

”Weona Smartone exceeded our expectations last run and I’ll be happy if he finishes in the first half of the field before he goes to the paddock.”

While Vandyke chases the big money during the southern carnivals, he’s hopeful of strong performances back home from promising filly Matriarch Rose in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 1600 metres and Pancho in the Open Handicap over 1400 metres.

Matriarch Rose caught the eye on debut with a flashing last stride win in a 1350 metre maiden at Ipswich on October 5 while Pancho makes his stable debut after being transferred from Sydney trainer Chris Waller.

Pancho last greeted the starter at Caulfield in late June when the son of Dissident finished sixth in a 2000 metre Quality Handicap at Caulfield.

Like Gypsy Goddess, Pancho has also barrier trialled twice ahead of his comeback.

“I liked the way Matriarch Rose hit the line in her Ipswich win but this is a big step up in grade,” Vandyke said.

“It will be nice to see what she does before she also heads to the paddock.

“I think she’ll run very well and it will be interesting to see how Pancho goes in his first start for me.

“He’s looking for further and I’ll be happy to see him find the line.”