Australian Racing - Racing: Vandyke hopeful of Oaks glory

bet365 News Team Published: Apr 07 2022 15:49

Gypsy Goddess, who lost her unbeaten status - but few admirers - when third to Fangirl in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Newcastle, will line up in the Australian Oaks at Randwick.

The David Vandyke-trained filly won her first five starts, including the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes at Eagle Farm, before charging home late for third in the rescheduled fixture at Newcastle.

She is 17/5 to grab Group 1 glory at Randwick this weekend, with Hinged available at 16/5.

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Vandyke believes she is now looking for every inch of the 2400-metre trip and is confident she can put up a good performance.

"That is how we have trained her. She has never raced under 1400 metres and all her work has been geared up for an Oaks," Vandyke said.

“We have never tried to get her to sprint hard over the shorter courses. We have set her up to run a strong 2400 metres."

Vandyke still far from certain

"Being a heavy track at Randwick it will be more like a 2600-metre race. It is going to be a Heavy 10, you would imagine. She did go well on a (Soft) 6 at Doomben and won impressively there. I think she can handle it, but I don't really know.

"She has got an economical action, which I think will help, and she is not a heavy horse, which is an asset in getting through wet ground. I am just hoping more than anything.

"The signs are that she should get through it, but at this top level if she is not 100 per cent on it, then they will find her out."