“Who doesn’t have a soft spot for Alligator Blood?”

That was a rhetorical question from Gai Waterhouse after her weight-for-age star left his rivals standing in a Rosehill barrier trial on Friday.

Alligator Blood demonstrated he’s back as good as ever with a dominant three-length victory over Group 1 mare Montefilia (Kermadec).  It was an excellent hit-out in his latest spring build up while clocking 60.28s for 1000m.

He’s the chief earner for Vinery Stud sire All Too Hard with earnings over $6.23 million and was already a cult hero in the Sunshine State prior to three Group 1 victories in Victoria last season for Waterhouse and co-trainer Adrian Bott.

“He’s coming up really well,” Bott said following the Rosehill trial.  “That was what we wanted to see from him this morning.  He’s ready to go for us and we’re just finalising his campaign.”

The decision to bypass the ATC Winx Stakes (Gr.1, 1400m) at Randwick next Saturday has opened up another first-up option in the MRC Memsie Stakes (Gr.1, 1400m) at Caulfield on September 2.  “Obviously there are plenty of targets at home and in Melbourne,” Bott added.  “I feel he’s in for a great preparation wherever he pops up.”

The MVRC W S Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m) remains his spring goal after a brave fifth to Anamoe last year.  He’s currently at $18 in pre-post betting for the weight-for-age grand-final on October 28.

“The Cox Plate, that’s his race,” Waterhouse said.  “He goes well in Melbourne and he ran well in it last year on a Heavy 8.  I will speak to Gerry Harvey and tell him it’s the ideal race to show his champion qualities.”

Alligator Blood (7g All Too Hard – Lake Superior by Encosta De Lago) was bred by Harvey at Baramul Stud and he bought back a majority share in partnership with Jeff and Robyn Simpson this time last year.  His dam is a close relation of 2010 Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom) who was conceived at Vinery.

Tim Clark has been a regular partner since the gelding’s born-again Group 1 triumph in the 2022 BRC Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) following major back surgery and puts his popularity down to several factors.  “He wears his heart on his sleeve and is as tough as they come,” Clark said.  “He’s never let me down and, hopefully, the journey continues this season.”

Vinery stands All Too Hard for a $38,500 (inc GST) service fee payable on a live foal.  For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).

This year’s Vinery Stud stallion parades will be on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of August, starting at 8:30am on both days.  If you have any questions, please call us on 02 6543 8333.  It is essential to RSVP at: https://vinery.com.au/2023-vinery-stallion-parades/