Tarzino's Gypsy Goddess Puts Them To The Sword In Grand Prix

Mark Smith - Saturday December 18

It may not have been a vintage Group III Ascot Green Grand Prix Stakes (2100m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, but you have to admire the way the odd-on favourite Gypsy Goddess put them to the sword.

Ridden by Stephanie Thornton, the daughter of Tarzino eased out three-wide on the turn and hit the front at the 300m without being let off the bridle.

Under little more than a hand-ride, the David Vandyke-trained 3yo defeated Balmaurice (Maurice) by three and three-quarter lengths with a further four and a half lengths back to Ironic Miss (Press Statement) in third.

Gypsy Goddess advances her record to four from four with earnings of $243,100.

“Gee, I was confident turning for home; she hadn’t moved on her,” Vandyke said.

“You rarely see then easy in Group races. She is a stayer, which is what I love.

“The way Steph got into a rhythm when she produced her, she had so much left.

“I’m not sure where she stands, but she has oaks written all over her.

“I will keep an eye on her for the next two weeks, and she will not go far from home. We will see how she eats, how she is physically and mentally. Then we will decide whether to go to Sydney for the Oaks there or whether we wait and turn up for the Oaks in Brisbane.   

“It is quite amazing. I have never had a horse win a Group race in the first preparation.

Gypsy Goddess could not make her $20,000 as a yearling

“Before her maiden win, she could not beat a horse on the track.

“Now she said I can do this and has climbed the ladder that quickly you would think that mentally it would 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 her head over the door for a pat.

“She is a bit more than a little parrot-mouthed.”

Despite a modest $20,000 reserve, Gypsy Goddess left the ring unsold when consigned by Curraghmore to the 2020 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale. She races for her breeder Chris Lawler and partners.

Tarzino

She is the best of three winners from four to race out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Invisible Coin, a sister to Group 1 Flight Stakes winner Cheeky Choice.

Haunui Farm will consign a Belardo (IRE) half-brother to Gypsy Goddess to the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale.

Gypsy Goddess honours Westbury Stud’s Group 1 Victoria Derby and Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner Tarzino with his first stakes-winner.

 

 

Advertisment

Race Result - Ascot Green Grand Prix Stakes Gr3 2100m

Eagle Farm Track: Good(4) Time: 2:11.57
1
Gypsy Goddess
- 3f Tarzino (NZ) x Invisible Coin (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: David Vandyke Rdr: Ms S Thornton 55
2
3.8
Balmaurice
- 3g Maurice (JPN) x Bal Du Siecle (GB) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: Rex Lipp & Nick Hahn Rdr: J Byrne 57
3
8.3
Ironic Miss
- 3f Press Statement (AUS) x Cute And Cuddly (AUS) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: R E Ollerton Rdr: L V Cassidy 55
4
8.5
Caboche
- 3g Vadamos (FR) x Floramour (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: L R Dittman 57
5
10.3
Sergeant Silva
- 3g Top Echelon (AUS) x Hallmark Star (NZ) (Johar (USA))
Tnr: R L Heathcote Rdr: Ron Stewart 57
6
15.8
Pool Pony
- 3g Shalaa (IRE) x Bellezza Nero (AUS) (Authorized (IRE))
Tnr: S W Kendrick Rdr: R Fradd 57
7
16.0
Star Twinkle
- 3f Worthy Cause (AUS) x Green Poles (AUS) (Jade Robbery (USA))
Tnr: Dale Groves Rdr: S T Collett 55
More Reading...
Undefeated Tarzino Filly is an Oaks Prospect
David Vandyke keeps raising the bar for Gypsy Goddess and the three-year-old daughter of Tarzino continues to jump it.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Tarzino's Gypsy Goddess a Class Above in Queensland Oaks
Outstanding three-year-old filly Gypsy Goddess left her opponents without an excuse when overcoming the widest barrier to claim Saturday’s $700,000 Group 1 Channel 7 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
Best On Breeding
When the Grand Prix Stakes was launched in 1971, it was off to a flyer with Queensland’s much-loved filly Mode defeating the southerner Planet Kingdom.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.