Alligator BloodĀ has sewn up a start in theĀ All-Star Mile with his first-up win in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Sandown.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper was sitting in second place on the vote count for the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 18 prior to Saturday’s first-up run.
But the pressure is now off with Alligator Blood, the $2.80 unibet favourite under Blake Shinn, scoring from fellow All-Star Mile contenderĀ Mr Brightside ($4.20) by 1-Ā¼ lengths with I’m Thunderstruck ($2.90) a half-length away third.
Bott said Alligator Blood’s campaign had been tailored around the All-Star MileĀ and the stable had elected to wait an extra two weeks instead of running in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 11.
“We had a couple of ideas whether to kick off in the Orr or theĀ Futurity,Ā but we were guided by him throughout the campaign,” Bott said.
“We just felt that he needed that bit more time. We thought we could have him peaking second-up.
“We followed that previously withĀ him,Ā so I think there’s good improvement off the back of today and obviously we’ve got the big target in the All-StarĀ Mile.
“That’s the one we really want to secure for him.”
Bott said Alligator Blood was a phenomenal racehorse and that it was special to be a part of career.
“He touches so many people. It is so remarkable,” Bott said.
“He continues to amaze me every preparation. He was potentially vulnerable today but again he was just too tough of a competitor.
“He’s that good.”
After the All-Star Mile, Bott said the plan was to return to Sydney where Alligator Blood is topweight for the Doncaster Mile, or there is the possibility of stepping up in trip to tackleĀ AnamoeĀ in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Bot also said a freshen-up and a return to 1400m in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes could be a possibility.
“We’ll have a discussion with Mr Gerry Harvey and decide from there,” Bott said.
“Everything is centred around the All-StarĀ Mile,Ā so we’ll have those discussions afterwards.”
Shinn, who returned from Hong Kong at the start of the season, landed his first Group 1 win since the shift back to Melbourne.
Having started his career in Melbourne, Shinn moved to Sydney to ride for Waterhouse before going freelance and then on to Hong Kong.
Shinn said the Futurity Stakes win made up for the disappointment of losing out in the Blue Diamond Stakes when Steel CityĀ had little luck in finishing 12th.
HeĀ said the Group 1 win meant a lot.
“I probably should have had one 30 minutes ago in the Blue Diamond,Ā but it’sĀ beenĀ anĀ amazing 35 minutes in racing,” Shinn said.
“You justĀ have toĀ keep your head up and it is just thrilling to come back to Victoria.
“I’ve only been back a relatively short time and to get the support of the trainers and owners and to ride such a headline horse like Alligator Blood, it is such a privilege.
“Adrian and Gai, they’ve marvellous trainers and I’m honoured to be a part of their teamĀ andĀ play a small part.
“It is great to get this result for everyone today.”
