Another Star Filly for Vandyke

Tara Madgwick - Sunday April 21
David Vandyke has a happy knack for getting the best from a good filly and might have another on his hands with Bacccarat Baby winning the Listed BRC Princess Stakes at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday after it was transferred from the abandoned Doomben meeting on Saturday.

The daughter of Casino Prince won five races in succession last year before finishing fifth beaten less than a length in the Group I ATC Flight stakes at Randwick.

Casino PrinceSpelled after that effort, she has taken a couple of runs to hit peak fitness and was third up from a spell in the Princess Stakes.

Baccarat Baby did best in a tight finish scoring a nose win over So You Think filly Word for Word from the powerful Chris Waller stable.

"When they hit the line I thought we had it but it's never a good thing until it's up in the frame" Vandyke said.

"That filly deserves that type of victory, she competed so well at Group I level in Sydney.

"She had a tough run today and for her to fight on and win like that is fantastic."

Baccarat Baby will now head towards another Black Type race in two weeks time targetting the $125,000 Listed Bracelet (1800m) at the Gold Coast.

Retained to race by her breeder, Baccarat Baby is the first winner for minor winning Johannesburg (USA) mare Meerlust, whose third dam is legendary matriarch Fanfreluche.

The Fanfreluche dynasty has given us champion sires Encosta de Lago and Flying Spur as more recent Group I winners such as Russian Revolution and I Am a Star.

Interestingly, Meerlust was covered last year by another member of the Fanfreluche dynasty in Holy Roman Emperor (IRE).

Baccarat Bay is the 16th stakes-winner for Vinery Stud's quiet achiever Casino Prince.

Advertisment
More Reading...
There's No Better Value Hunter Valley Sire Than Casino Prince
The Sunshine Coast Guineas has launched the careers of three Group 1 winners since 2015 and Baccarat Baby could make it four when she returns from a spell in the spring.
Baccarat Baby a Class Above in Sunshine Coast Guineas
Despite racing three wide the trip, Baccarat Baby had her supporters full of confidence when she cruised to the lead under a stranglehold from Michael Hellyer in Saturday's Group III Sunshine Coast Guineas (1600m) and when the reins were let out a notch the daughter of Casino Prince put the race to bed in a matter of strides.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday August 6
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One To Watch – Sandown
Fourth on debut behind the promising San Giovanni, who has since won again, the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Written Tycoon colt Duke Atreides was sent south to Victoria with instant success.
Group I Goals for Casino Prince
Vinery sire Casino Princeis on the cusp of a career-best month at the elite level starting with Baccarat Baby and Lim’s Cruiser this Saturday.
Zoustar Entering the Zenith
The dictionary tells us Zenith is an astronomical term —describing the highest point in an arc travelled by a star, planet or another celestial body- and in the case of this story it’s planet Zoustar!
Best On Breeding
Since it’s elevation to Group III status in 2014 the Sunshine Coast Guineas boasts a very respectable honour roll.
First Foal for Hilal Delights Grangewilliam Stud
The first foal by Grangewilliam Stud’s Group Two winner and multiple Group One performer Hilal arrived on Thursday morning with a filly born out of the well-related No Nay Never mare La Frox.
Stakes Breakthrough for Sweet Deal
John Thompson’s gallant five-year-old mare Sweet Deal earned a well-deserved maiden stakes win in Friday’s $160,000 Group III Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle.
2025 Cox Plate Entries – Who are the 3YO Cox Plate Dreamers?
108 entries have been received for the 2025 Group I MVRC Cox Plate (2040m) to be run on October 25 with a galaxy of stars that include 11 overseas contenders and a group of new season 3YO’s.