Black-type continued to flow for Vinery sire All Too Hard when Alligator Blood won the Gold Edition Plate LR over 1200m at Eagle Farm.

Back on deck 63 days after being run down by Super Seth in the Caulfield Guineas Gr.1 for his only defeat from 7 starts, the David Vandyke-trained gelding launched his latest campaign with a comfortable two-length victory as the $1.55 favourite on Saturday.

“He’s come back all the better for that break and is a more mature horse now,” Vandyke claimed as Ryan Maloney brought the 3yo back to scale.  “His pre-race behaviour was excellent today and he was happy to sit off the pace and relax.  He really came into the race quickly on the corner so it was pleasing all around.”

Alligator Blood’s main goals this time in will be the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas RL at the Gold Coast on January 11 before a return trip south where he will target the Australian Guineas Gr.1 at Flemington on February 29 and the $5 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield on March 14.

Vandyke is weighing up whether to give him another start before the Magic Millions in the Vo Rogue Plate Gr.3 back at Eagle Farm on December 28.  “He may not need another run.  I will make up my mind after he gallops on the Tuesday before the Vo Rogue.”

Alligator Blood cost owner Allan Endresz $55,000 from the Baramul Stud draft at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He’s the final foal out of Lake Superior (Encosta De Lago) who descended from Champion South African mare Tracy’s Element.

A late decision to start in the Vo Rogue would see him clash with Jeweliana who landed the first-leg of the All Too Hard double at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Jeweliana sweated up noticeably before the TAB Origin Jockey Series (1400m) and, in a change of tactics, raced on the pace for visiting jockey Craig Newitt.  She had charged home at her first two starts since a spell but was allowed to stride to the front before kicking clear in the straight.

“I didn’t want to lead but she began well and crossed easily enough,” Newitt reported.  “She was a bit high in her action but will develop into a black-type filly, for sure.”

Trainer Steve O’Dea has big wraps on Jewelina who had bolted in at the Sunshine Coast on debut in May prior to an equally impressive victory in the Bundamba Plate at Ipswich in June.

“I was a bit worried when she became worked up before the race.  She might be in season,” O’Dea said.  “Taking all that into account, it was a good effort and she deserves a chance against the boys in the Vo Rogue.”

Jewelina is a homebred for Joe Rapisarda who raced her dam Bianca Jewel (Lion Heart) to a Listed victory in the 2011 Princess Stakes at Eagle Farm.  “She’s certainly showing the same talent as her mum,” O’Dea added.  “And I like her sire All Too Hard.”

All Too Hard has already sired six individual Stakes winners this season and he has six yearlings entered for the Gold Coast Magic Millions starting on January 8.

First to parade is the three-quarter sister to All Too Hard’s Sandown Guineas Gr.2 winner Villermont (Lot 142) from Three Bridges in Victoria.  Vinery presents the half-brother to Tokyo City Cup LR winner Brown Ben (Lot 405) and the colt from Karrakatta Plate Gr.2 winner Night War (Lot 581).

Night War has already thrown three winners by All Too Hard and her Group 1 winning half-sister Samaready (More Than Ready) is the dam of Vinery graduate Exhilarates who won the 2019 Magic Millions 2yo Classic RL for Godolphin.