Queensland racegoers will get their last chance to see star three-year-old Alligator Blood at the track this season when he runs in a barrier trial at the Sunshine Coast.
Trainer David Vandyke had originally considered giving Alligator Blood a track gallop but accepted the club’s offer of a barrier trial between races on Sunday.
“We decided he would benefit from the barrier experience. He will go 1000 metres in a field of five and it should be perfect for him,” Vandyke said.
“It will be his last solid hit-out before going to Melbourne. It will also be the Queensland public’s chance to see him in action this season.”
Regular race jockey Ryan Maloney will be aboard Alligator Blood in the trial.
Alligator Blood had nine days off after winning the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas at the Gold Coast on January 11.
He will have three Melbourne starts, at this stage, in the Group Three C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 15, the Group One Australian Guineas at Flemington on February 29 and the All-Star Mile at Caulfield on March 14.
“I expect he will meet Super Seth who beat us in the Caulfield Guineas two kilograms better in the C S Hayes . So it will be a good guide for us,” Vandyke said.
“Alligator Blood has opened a big lead in All-Star voting which gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling he is so popular.
“I hope he opens a big lead at the finish like he has in voting to date.”
Alligator Blood’s second to Super Seth is his only defeat in nine starts.
