Vandyke gives Trump Card the edge

By Glenn Davis 

There is always a time for a celebration whether it’s a Group 1 or a lower grade provincial race.

At Ipswich on Thursday, owner Bob Jones and wife Debra hope to pop the champagne with a two-pronged attack in the Class 1 Plate over 2200 metres.

The Jones’ own Trump Card and also share in the ownership of Better Draw and both are prepared on the Sunshine Coast by David Vandyke.

Vandyke has trained many hoses for the Jones’ but their biggest success together came in 2022 when Gypsy Goddess won the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm.

Gypsy Goddess also finished second in the Group 1 ATC Oaks at Randwick that year and placed in the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill.

She was also crowned National Champion Three-Year-Old Filly of her year.

A daughter of New Zealand sire Tarzino, Gypsy Goddess was sold overseas and is at the same stud as Vandyke’s former stable star Yankee Rose who has been as big hit in the breeding barn.

“I’ve trained for Bob for around 15 years after I started training for him in Sydney,” Vandyke said.

“We had a winner together just last Saturday when Bob’s colours crossed the line when Weona Redwood won at the Gold Coast.

“Bob is a great owner and a lovely bloke and each year we go over to New Zealand together to buy a few horses.

“Bob also owned Weona Smartone."

Vandyke has no big spring plans in mind for his pair but had no hesitation naming Trump Card as his first choice.

Trump Card won his maiden at Eagle Farm in the middle of March and was a fast-finishing second at his latest appearance behind Bitoftheblarney.

Better Draw was a last start eighth in an 1800 metre Class 1 Plate at the Gold Coast on July 5.

“Better Draw is on a warning and needs to perform well or he’ll be leaving the stable,” Vandyke said.

“He just got up two starts back at the Gold Coast but I’m still working out what went wrong with his last run at the Gold Coast.”

Vandyke was more optimistic about Trump Card’s chances.

“Trump Card’s last run was very good when he hit the line strongly,” he said.

“He’s stepping up in trip, which is a test, but it looks an ideal race for him.”