Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) cemented warm favouritism for the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas on January 11 with a dominant performance in the G3 Magic Millions Vo Rogue Plate at Eagle Farm – the seventh win of his eight-start career.
His only defeat was a desperately close second placing behind Super Seth (Dundeel {NZ}) in the G1 Caulfield Guineas in the spring.
Alligator Blood as a yearling
“The last time he ran in a $2 million race, he got grabbed on the line,” trainer David Vandyke said on Saturday. “So we’ve got some unfinished business to settle in the Millions.”
Alligator Blood was the $1.35 favourite for Saturday’s Vo Rogue Plate, and there was barely a moment of doubt.
Jockey Ryan Maloney had him stalking the pace up to the home turn, and then he cruised to the front under a firm hold.
Maloney eased off the brakes in the last 250 metres and Alligator Blood kicked away to win by two lengths, with Profit (Dundeel {NZ}) and Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock) making up ground late to fill the minor placings.
Alligator Blood was a $55,000 purchase at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and he has now earned $939,250 in prize-money for owners Ezybonds No 1.
“I was nervous coming into this race,” Vandyke admitted. “He had a lot of weight to carry, and he’s got a lot of followers. But he didn’t let anyone down today.
“He’s a complete racehorse. He’s adaptable – he can race on the pace or get cover. He was unextended here and I couldn't have him any better in the Millions lead-up.
“He’s a complete racehorse. He’s adaptable – he can race on the pace or get cover. He was unextended here and I couldn't have him any better in the Millions lead-up. '' - David Vandyke
“This horse has never been in a dog fight, so I don't know what he can find under pressure. Hopefully, we won't need it in a fortnight. I won’t be sleeping much between now and the Magic Millions, and I won’t have a day off.”
Second-place prize-money of $55,000 should be enough to seal a spot in the field for runner-up Profit, who delighted his trainer Chris Anderson.
“He wouldn't have beaten the winner, but he should have finished a bit closer after getting a bump at the 300 metres,” he said.
Profit as a yearling
Second favourite Diamond Thunder (Dawn Approach {Ire}) finished fourth, running on from well back to get within three lengths of the winner at the finish line.
“They went too slow for him early and I think blinkers will help next time,” jockey Josh Parr said.
Let it Pour (Redoute’s Choice) was close up in fifth. The Bjorn Baker-trained filly is still a maiden, but placed in the G2 Silver Shadow and Furious S. earlier this season, so looms as a leading contender for the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden Plate.
