Trainer Vandyke to make key campaign calls in coming days

By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke has two important calls to make in the coming days over the future campaigns for Weona Smartone and comeback sprinter Orbisyn.

Weona Smartone almost pulled off a major upset when he finished third in the $2 million Sydney Stakes at Randwick on Saturday while Orbisyn resumes at Ipswich on Wednesday.

Weona Smartone was beaten less than half a length by the David Pfieffer-trained Rocketing By in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes while Orbisyn makes his return in the Class 4 Handicap over 1100 metres.

Vandyke was thrilled with the performance from Weona Smartone and is confident Orbisyn is ready to return to his best at his first start since finishing third in an 1100 metre Class 6 at Ipswich in June.

Orbisyn was being aimed for the Sydney autumn last year and some had him as a possible contender for the $15 million The Everest before a minor injury ended his campaign.

The gifted sprinter showed he was ready for a strong first-up performance after winning an 850 metre barrier trial at the Sunshine Coast last month.

“His trial was very good and he should run very well first-up,” Vandyke said.

“He’s certainly got the talent but he’s just taken a bit of time because he’s such a slow maturer.”

Orbisyn is now a five-year-old and has had only six starts in his career for four wins and a third.

His only unplaced run was when he finished seventh on a heavy track behind The Big Goodbye when resuming in a Class 6 event following a 12 month absence from the race track.

Vandyke has booked heavy weight rider Paul Hamblin to partner Orbisyn after the gelding received top weight with 60.5kgs.

“I take my time with all my horses and it’s not unusual for me that he’s only had five starts,” Vandyke said.

“This looks a nice race for him but I want to see how he goes first before deciding where he’ll run next."

Vandyke will also let the dust settle before deciding the next run for Weona Smartone.

“I was hoping more than anything else that he’d run well in the Sydney Stakes,” the Caloundra-based trainer said.

“I want to let the dust settle before making our next move.

“He could go to Melbourne or there’s The Hunter.”

The $1 million The Hunter will be run over  1300 metres at Newcastle on November 12.