Arabian Gold has recovered from the health setback that she suffered following her run in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) and trainer David Vandyke is hoping that she will return to the races for a 2014 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival campaign.
Arabian Gold is currently enjoying a stint in the spelling paddock after her successful autumn preparation. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Arabian Gold pulled up extremely lame after finishing second behind Tinto in the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on May 31 and Vandyke feared that the filly’s racing career may be over, but she was diagnosed with a bruised foot and recovered quickly after a nerve block was administered.
Vandyke told Sky Racing HQ that Arabian Gold was now enjoying her time in the spelling paddock following her successful autumn campaign and said that he will assess the physical condition of the Dubawi filly before deciding when she will return to the stable.
“She had a bit of trouble with her back hoof after the Oaks and she is back to full health and enjoying the weather out spelling,” Vandyke said.
“She will probably have six to eight weeks; I will go and have a look at her in the next week or so and just make up my mind as the weeks progress as to how long she will have.
“If I am not happy with here, we will leave her out and she will miss the spring, but all being well she will be back and racing down in Melbourne.”
Vandyke said that he was delighted with the autumn campaign of Arabian Gold, which was highlighted by three straight wins in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m), Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) and the Group 2 The Roses (2000m), and is hoping that she will return from her stint in the spelling paddock as an even stronger horse.
“She does very well and she does very well in the stable,” Vandyke said.
“She is just a dream to train and she is a beautiful horse.
“She just did a fantastic job this preparation and it was a dream come true really.
“She has always spelled out at Jazcom and she goes in a beautiful big paddock out there with some other fillies and she loves it.
“They look after her well and most of Nick Moriatis’ horses spell out there.
“It is only an hour away from the track and it is easy to go out and see here.”
Vandyke is yet to decide on the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival target for Arabian Gold, but she is currently available at a quote of $34 in the 2014 Caulfield Cup betting market at Ladbrokes Australia.
