During Book 2 of Karaka 2020, a mere NZ$20,000 would have been enough to buy a filly who has developed into the most exciting staying three-year-old in Queensland.
Gypsy Goddess (NZ) (Tarzino) extended her unbeaten record to four-from-four with a demolition job in Saturday’s A$250,000 Gr3 Ascot Green Grand Prix Stakes (2100m) at Eagle Farm, and the David Vandyke-trained filly has now earned over A$240 000 in stakes.
Stephanie Thornton steers Gypsy Goddess to a smart win
The Grand Prix was the first major test for Gypsy Goddess, who had won with ease at the Sunshine Coast on October 17 and November 7, and then at Doomben on December 4.
But once again the rising star filly was on a completely different level to her six rivals, cantering up alongside the leaders at the top of the straight while still under a tight hold from jockey Stephanie Thornton.
It was all Gypsy Goddess from there as the favourite effortlessly kicked clear, opening up a winning margin of three and three-quarter lengths.
“Gee, I was confident turning for home – Steph hadn’t moved on her,” Vandyke said. “She is a stayer, which is what I love. Steph got her into a great rhythm there, and when she produced her, she had so much left.
“It’s quite amazing, because I have never had a horse win a Group race in its first preparation. Before her maiden win, she couldn’t beat a horse on the track, yet now she has just said, ‘Okay, I can do this.’
“She has climbed the ladder that quickly, you would think mentally it would just have her a bit hot, but she is just beautiful. She is just an absolute darling, everyone loves her. Of all the horses in the stable, she has got her head over the door for a pat more than any other. She is just so easy to work with.”
Vandyke now intends to target either the Gr1 Australian Oaks (2400m) in Sydney in the autumn or the Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) in Brisbane during the winter.
“I’m not sure where she stands, but she’s got Oaks written all over her,” he said. “I will just keep an eye on her over the next two weeks. I won’t let her go far from home, so I can see how she eats and see how she is physically and mentally.
“Then we will decide whether we go to Sydney for the Oaks down there, or whether we wait for the Queensland Oaks.”
Haunui Farm will offer a Belardo half-brother to Gypsy Goddess at Karaka 2022. The colt will go through the ring as Lot 869 during the Book 2 session.
Gypsy Goddess is the first stakes winner for her sire, Tarzino (NZ). Himself a Karaka graduate who cost $45,000 at the 2014 Select Sale, Tarzino won the Group One Victoria Derby (2500m) and Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before retiring to Westbury Stud.
Tarzino is set to feature prominently in Karaka 2022 with 20 yearlings in the catalogue for Book 1 and 13 in Book 2.
| Vendor | Curraghmore |
| Breeding | Tarzino – Invisible Coin |
| Sale | Lot 1145, Karaka 2020 Book 2, Psd (Reserve NZ$20,000) |
| Bred by | Stareye NZ Ltd |
