Winning jockey Tim Clark has captured the essence of what makes Alligator Blood such a popular competitor following his fourth Group 1 triumph in the $3million VRC Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve and is as tough as they come,” Clark said on Saturday. “He’s at the back-end of a serious campaign but got into a lovely rhythm and was just enjoying being out in front.
“I had full faith in my horse. He gave me a real strong kick and did a wonderful job. He’s never let me down and hopefully it’s not the end of the journey.”
Alligator Blood’s career had been compromised by a severe back injury but he’s going better than ever as a spring 6yo and now the world is calling the champion son of Vinery sire All Too Hard.
Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse revealed Royal Ascot representative Nick Smith, who is on a recruiting mission for 2023, suggested Alligator Blood would be suited in the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) or the Platinum Jubilee (Gr.1, 1200m). “I love Ascot and the English would love to see another great horse from Australia. He’s gone through a lot but has come through in superb fashion. He’s the best of the best.”
Alligator Blood claimed his first Group 1 at Flemington in the 2020 VRC Australian Guineas (1600m) and this year he added the Group 1 BRC Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) and Group 1 MRC Underwood Stakes (1800m) before a win to remember on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
He defeated Tuvalu (Kermadec) by a half-length in the Champions Mile to advance his record to 12 wins in 26 starts for $5.5million in prizemoney. That’s 100 times his $55,000 purchase price from Baramul Stud at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Baramul owner Gerry Harvey bred Alligator Blood and bought a controlling share earlier this year to race him in partnership with Jeff and Robyn Simpson. All Too Hard sired him from a close relation of 2010 Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom) who was conceived at Vinery.
“Gerry and Adrian (Bott) were adamant he would be suited coming back to a Mile after the Cox Plate,” Waterhouse added. “They were completely right and besides all the dollars, we gave Gerry the trophy, too.”
Earlier on Saturday, Harvey bred All Too Hard’s first 2yo winner of the season when Viva Vienna scored on debut in the SVS Starting Gates Stakes (1000m) at Te Rapa. She was a $100,000 buy from Harvey’s Westbury Stud draft to the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale.
“Viva Vienna had the gate speed to lead and she looks an exciting prospect,” Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said. “That prizemoney will qualify her for the Karaka Million in January. All Too Hard is a proven sire and we also have a nice 3yo by him named Insatiable.”
Vinery stands All Too Hard for a $38,500 (inc GST) service fee. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
