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Vandyke hopes Iamican can take step towards winter

17 March 2020

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke believes well bred filly Iamican is capable of a Brisbane winter campaign, but concedes she needs to step up at Doomben on Wednesday.

Iamican was a $475,000 buy at the 2018 Magic Millions sales at the Gold Coast but has started only four times for one win at the Sunshine Coast, and a last start second when stepping up in grade to a Class Two at the Gold Coast on February 29.

“She missed the start at the Gold Coast and never got into it but she did find the line strongly,” Vandyke said.

“She’s well-bred being by I Am Invincible and her mother (If I Can I Can) won a Stakes race in New Zealand.

“She’s a nice filly and was nominated for the Golden Slipper along with Alligator Blood as a two-year-old but she’s tended to over race.

“Her last run was a lot better and from a good gate she’ll run well again and she’ll find Doomben more suitable.

“I’m not sure what level she’ll get to but I’d like to see her compete during the winter carnival but she needs to step up.”

Vandyke also has Okeechobee entered in the Class Two Handicap (1200m) but will hold off until race morning to decide if the daughter of Sebring will start.

“She’s got barrier 18 and she’ll come into 12 if the emergencies don’t start,” Vandyke said.

“At this stage I doubt she’ll run but I’ll wait until tomorrow before deciding.”

Okeechobee was a $210,000 buy as a yearling and made it two wins from three starts when successful in a Class One on a heavy track at the Sunshine Coast on February 16.

Meanwhile Vandyke was relieved when his champion three-year-old Alligator Blood pulled up well following his defeat in the All Star Mile at Flemington on Saturday.

Alligator Blood’s jockey Ryan Maloney felt Alligator Blood felt his near-side front leg after finishing 10th in the All Star Mile.

“The good news he is fine and he pulled up well after the All Star Mile,” Vandyke said.

“He came out of the run in a lot better shape than I thought he would.

“He’s gone to the paddock for a spell and he’ll come back for The Everest if we can get a slot and the Golden Eagle.”

Stablemate Baccarat Baby is set down to barrier trial next week ahead of her Brisbane winter campaign which culminates in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm.

Baccarat Baby hasn’t raced since finishing fifth to Kiwi star Melody Belle in the Group 1 Empire Rose at Flemington on November 2.

Racing Queensland webnews - March 17