Pair to sprint south if it rains
Sydney forecast glum
QUEENSLAND Group 1 winners Gypsy Goddess and Apache Chase could have shock spring targets if weather doesn’t go their way.
Sunshine Coast trainer David Vandyke says he could skip Sydney and the $10m Golden Eagle entirely if rain continues to hammer the Harbour City and head to Melbourne instead for the Group 1 Empire Rose (1600m) in what would be a one-off run on Derby Day.
Vandyke has been meticulously planning this preparation for Gypsy Goddess after a huge autumn and winter saw her win the Group 1 Queensland Oaks in dominant fashion.
While he is open as to where he runs Gypsy Goddess, he is adamant it will be a onerun preparation.
“She had a really hard prep over the winter and she needs a good break,” he said.
“We will look at the weather for the Golden Eagle and make a decision from there.”
Both the Golden Eagle and Empire Rose are run on the same day.
The mare is rated a $15 chance in the Golden Eagle and is $26 in the Empire Rose.
Meanwhile KingsfordSmith Cup winner and freshly minted Queensland Horse of the Year Apache Chase could also head to the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on October 21 if Sydney is to be heavy again this weekend.
The Desleigh Forstertrained sprinter is entered in the $2m Sydney Stakes on Saturday, but she revealed she would have no hesitation in going further south to Melbourne should weather play its part.
It would set up a Queensland showdown between Rothfire and Apache Chase in the Group 1 Manikato should it eventuate.
Vandyke has also nominated his sharp sprinter Weona Smartone in the Sydney Stakes on Saturday and is adamant he would lap up heavy ground.
The gelding returned to form after a wind operation with a brilliant win at Doomben last month, before being narrowly beaten by Osamu at Eagle Farm a week ago.
Fellow Queenslander Axe is also nominated for the race, with trainer Jack Bruce looking to build on his Listed Weetwood Handicap victory.