Life is never dull where Alligator Blood is concerned.
The top-tier performer won his second Group 1 in his last four starts when he outgunned the mighty Zaaki is a testing stride for stride battle for much of the Sandown straight, while also having enough in hand to see off the challenges of Mo’unga and I’m Thunderstruck in a rousing finish to the Group 1 Underwood Stakes.
The Underwood was race seven on the card, but Alligator Blood’s participation came under scrutiny … and not without a touch of drama earlier in the day … as reported in the official Stewards’ report:
‘Immediately prior to the running of race 6, Stewards were notified by the RV veterinary surgeon that Alligator Blood had presented on course with a skin irritation in the girth and rump area. The veterinary surgeon reported that in her opinion, the gelding was fit to start.
‘Prior to Race 7, Stewards interviewed co-trainer Adrian Bott who advised that Alligator Blood had a skin irritation appear on Monday, 19 September, and that it had been treated by the stable veterinary surgeon and he confirmed that the gelding had not missed any work and in his view was fit to start.
‘Stewards interviewed Dr Maxine Brain (stable veterinarian) who advised that Alligator Blood presented with a skin irritation early in the week which she treated and advised the stable that, in her view, the condition would not affect the horse’s performance.
‘Acting on the advice of the veterinary surgeons, Stewards permitted Alligator Blood to start. Stewards further interviewed co-trainer Adrian Bott subsequent to the race and adjourned the matter to a date to be fixed.’
Even in the race … the action warranted close attention. Again, from the steward’s report:
‘(Alligator Blood) Raced close together with Zaaki (GB) from the 300m due to Zaaki (GB) laying in and Alligator Blood shifting out slightly under pressure. Near the 200m (Zaaki) was accidentally struck on two occasions by the whip of Tim Clark, rider of Alligator Blood, due to Zaaki (GB) laying in towards Alligator Blood.’
The bottom line though, is that Alligator Blood will now move forward as a lively Cox Plate contender where he will be looking to add another big race notch onto his belt, not to mention improving on his already substantial prize-money earnings figure of $3.6 million.
