Vandyke’s focus firmly on Yankee Rose
She’s the $10,000 filly who has consumed the hearts of racegoers and now Yankee Rose is consuming the thoughts of David Vandyke.
The trainer admits he is thinking of little else as he readies Yankee Rose for a shot at her second Group One victory in the Champagne Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
“I’m pretty much living Yankee Rose at the moment,” Vandyke said.
Vandyke said Yankee Rose would gallop on Wednesday and be given a similar lead-up week to both her starts this preparation in the first two legs of Sydney’s triple crown.
“I know her back to front,” Vandyke said.
“I’ve got a set routine and model now that has worked in the past.”
Yankee Rose was second in the Golden Slipper first-up and then triumphed in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
The filly is among nine nominations for the Champagne where she will be extended to 1600m for the first time.
“Every indication is that she’ll be improved over the mile,” Vandyke said.
“Certainly I think that third-up will be her at her best.”
The group of first-time owners has rejected a bid worth up to $2 million for the fairytale filly, who could take her prize money past $1.8 million with a win in the Champagne.
They have also pledged to keep Yankee Rose in Vandyke’s stable when he relocates to the Sunshine Coast following the Queensland winter carnival.
“It really is terrific to have people so raw and new to the industry having this type of experience,” Vandyke said.
“It’s a dream to get a horse like her.
“For the owners to stick with me during my move is fantastic and I can’t thank them enough.”
Vandyke says he is keeping an open mind on whether Yankee Rose will make an appearance during the Queensland winter carnival or be saved for the Melbourne spring.
Her performance and recovery on Saturday will be decisive.
“We’ll pretty much let her tell us what the next step will be,” Vandyke said.
Also on Saturday, English-bred stayer Maurus will be on trial for a campaign in Vandyke’s soon-to-be home state in the Group Three Japan Racing Association Plate.
The stable’s team for the Queensland carnival is also set to include Look To The Stars, Astronomos and Sir John Hawkwood.