Alligator Blood confirmed his status as one of Australia’s best gallopers when he thumped a class field in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr1 Australian Guineas run over 1600m at Flemington.
It was a performance to savour from the Sunshine Coast based three-year-old, leading from start to finish and cruising to the line under regular rider Ryan Maloney.
Alligator Blood treated his rivals with contempt, sprinting clear in the straight to beat Superstorm and Soul Patch and others.
Alligator Blood (All Too Hard – Lake Superior) ridden by Ryan Maloney returns to scale after winning the (G1) Kennedy Australian Guineas (1600m) Australian Guineas Day at Flemington Racecourse. Saturday 29 February 2020
Photo Credit: (Darren Tindale – The Image is Everything)
The win was savoured by connections particularly trainer David Vandyke who was so awfully proud of his stable star.
“That was just amazing,” Vandyke said moments after the win. “Wow – he won that with authority.”
“He did it for Queensland. He did it for the owners. He did it for All Too Hard his stallion. He did it for Ryan.It was just an amazing performance at Group One level in a class field. I’m just blown away by what he’s done today.You can’t quantify guts. We can look at form and decide where he should finish in a field but his determination and will to win has gone to another level.”
“This bloke is so special,” Vandyke added. “I won’t say he’s a champion – but he is to me!”
Alligator Blood was bred by Gerry Harvey and sold for $55,000 to Allan Endresz’s Ezybonds No 1 Syndicate at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
With 10 wins, and a nose second in the Caulfield Guineas, from just 11 starts the outstanding performer has earned over A$2.8 million. He’s the first horse to complete the Magic Millions Guineas and Australian Guineas double.
The Guineas triumph was a first at Group One level for former Victorian jockey Ryan Maloney who has rejuvenated his career since moving to the Sunshine State.
“The horse means so much to me – the owners and David have stuck with me and this is just an unbelievable feeling,” Maloney said.
Maloney’s family was all on course to celebrate a breakthrough win at racing’s elite level.
“That makes it extra special – to have the family here,” Maloney added.
Provided he comes through the Guineas in good shape Alligator Blood will head to the $5 million All Star Mile at Caulfield next month.
Alligator Blood’s the first Group One winner for sire All Too Hard – Black Caviar’s Group One winning half brother and resident of Vinery Stud.
His dam Lake Superior is an unraced Encosta de Lago daughter of VRC Oaks placegetter and triple stakes producer Kylikwong.
- Winner: Alligator Blood
- Breeding: All Too Hard-Lake Superior (Encosta de Lago)
- Race: VRC Australian Guineas G1 (1600m)
- Sold for: $55,000
- Sale: 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
- Vendor: Baramul Stud
- Buyer: Ezybonds No 1 Syndicate
- Earnings: $2,810,084
- Owner(s): Ezybonds No 1 (Mgr: AP Endresz)
- Trainer: David Vandyke (Sunshine Coast)
