Vandyke hopeful of returning to the winner's stall after Karaka sales

By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke is hopeful of quick return to the winner’s stall at Eagle Farm on Wednesday after returning from the Karaka sales in New Zealand last week.

Vandyke bought four yearlings at the New Zealand sales including a $160,000 filly by Cosmic Force out of a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Regimental Gal.

“I bought two fillies and two colts including a Savabeel filly, who is a beautiful type, and a filly whose mother is a half-sister to Regimental Gal,” Vandyke said.

Regimental Gal was trained by Shaun Dwyer and earned $1.6 million in prize money with seven wins and six placings form 17 starts.

She won the Magic Millions Classic in 2003 en route to winning twice at Group 1 level in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington and Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley in 2004.

“I’m putting a syndicate together with her and there’s room for another owner or two,” Vandyke said.

Vandyke is hopeful of strong performances from Naughty Harry in the Benchmark 68 Handicap over 1840 metres and Rocky Rogue in the Maiden Handicap over 1200 metres on Wednesday. 

Rocky Rogue, a son of Written Tycoon, is returning after two runs at Doomben and Ipswich in his first campaign.

“He hasn’t started since October but he’s trialled well twice,” Vandyke said.

“He’s a nice horse and he’ll probably jump and go forward.

“I think he’s probably my best of the day but Naughty Harry will run well, although he can be a bit naughty.”

Naughty Harry will be having only his second start this campaign after resuming with a game fourth to the Chris Waller-trained Sibylla in a 1710 metre Class 1 race at Ipswich last month.

“He was very unlucky last start and will be suited going to 1840 metres,” Vandyke said.

“His first-up run was very good and he was a bit unlucky after being held up for a run.

“The bigger track at Eagle Farm will suit him a lot better than Ipswich.”

Vandyke is unlikely to start Abu Simbel after the gelding drew poorly in the Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres and is in two minds about starting Rich Devil in the Benchmark 68 Handicap.

“I accepted with Rich Devil but I also will accept with him at Ipswich on Thursday, so I’ll just wait and see for the time being,” he said.