Trainer David Vandyke was happy enough with Alligator Blood’s work in a barrier trial in-between races at the Sunshine Coast yesterday … but he was reasonably guarded in his comments on his star performer.
“It was a fair effort today” said Vandyke. “I wouldn’t say he blew them away. The second horse was very much not ready to race and he only beat it by a neck … so, he is bludging a bit.
“He’s moving along ok, but nothing he has done this preparation has been overly convincing to me.
“He is starting to settle well which is something we have been working on, but he has still got to finish off.
“His first-up run at Doomben (back on September 12 over 1100m) was ok. It will be interesting to see how he goes once we get him out over further and up in class … but, like I say, nothing he has done this prep has said to me, ‘I’m the new Winx!”
Alligator Blood who will head to Sydney next week for his dual assignment in the Silver Eagle (on 10 October over 1300m) and the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (on 31 October over 1500m). Both of these races will take place at Rosehill.
Alligator Blood will travel down to Sydney by float and will be stabled at Rosehill.
