He started as part travelling partner, part carnival contender, but David Vandyke’s confidence is growing with Sydney Stakes hopeful Weona Smartone before the $2 million sprint at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The Queensland trainer is one of the few people who want the rain to hang around in Sydney with his sprinter boasting one of the most prolific records of horses across the country.
Weona Smartone has won nine of his 12 starts – all in Queensland – but has drawn the inside gate for The Everest consolation.
“He’s very fast and he can rattle off some pretty slick sectionals,” Vandyke said. “He’s owned by similar connections to Gypsy Goddess, so it’s just tied in beautifully because he was a nice mate to bring down with her.
“Obviously barrier one was a big enticement because he’s got the pace to use the gate. It’s a $2 million race. He’s won nine races and there’s open handicaps every month in Queensland, but he doesn’t get a chance to run in a $2 million race from the rails gate every month.
“It just seemed like a good chance to have a shy at the stumps.”
David Vandyke will saddle up Sydney Stakes contender Weona Smartone.Credit:Kate Geraghty
Vandyke’s main spring focus in Sydney will be group 1 winner Gypsy Goddess’ tilt at the $10 million Golden Eagle in a fortnight, but he was convinced to return to the harbour city when Weona Smartone was a narrow third behind Osamu at Eagle Farm last start.
Sportsbet has made Weona Smartone a $27 outsider for the Sydney Stakes in a market dominated by Kementari ($4), In The Congo ($6) and another Queenslander, Apache Chase ($6.50).
Kementari was considered a leading contender to run in Godolphin’s The Everest slot before head trainer James Cummings and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Australian team opted for Ingratiating.
Royal Randwick track staff were bracing for more rain on Friday – and it’s music to the ears of Vandyke who was desperate for a waterlogged track.
“He loves it,” Vandyke said of Weona Smartone. “The wetter the better. I think he’s only been beaten once on a track worse than good. He likes soft tracks, and he’s had a couple of runs back. It’s a big mission, but I don’t think he’ll disgrace himself.”
The Sydney Stakes drew a full field of 18 runners plus emergencies while slot holders scrambled to find runners for The Everest in the last month.
Gypsy Goddess hasn’t raced since winning the Queensland Oaks in June and will be first-up in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill.
“She’s travelled down well and provided the track is OK it’s a lovely race for her,” Vandyke said.
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