Taming an Alligator
Trainer says cover key for Group 1 winner
DAVID Vandyke is still trying to iron out a little chink in Alligator Blood’s armour, as jockey Ryan Maloney said the Group 1 winner felt better than ever in a Sunshine Coast barrier trial yesterday.
Alligator Blood was given a rating of “OK” by Vandyke after he cruised through his 850m trial, winding up second to Secret Spirit, without Maloney asking him for an effort at any stage.
“I was just hoping he would settle a little bit better,” Vandyke said.
“Ryan said when he got cover, he was fine, but when he saw daylight he just wanted to charge a bit.
“Again, I’m hoping for his first-up run on September 12 (at Doomben) he draws a good alley so he can get cover without having to do any work early, because I don’t want Ryan digging him up out of the gates and seeing him charge as we have done in more recent times.
“It’s a trait from the time he raced in the CS Hayes Stakes (in February). He hasn’t travelled kindly since then and I would like to see it as we progress into the better races.
“It’s not showstopping and it’s not a serious problem, it’s just a little piece of finetuning I would like to see happen.
“It may not happen and he may go on and win major races by still doing it, but it’s my job to try and do everything I can to get him in the best shape to win the best races and it’s something I would like to see happen.”
Maloney confirmed when Alligator Blood saw daylight in the trial he did want to “grab the bridle and tow me” but he’s not expecting it to be a problem come race day.
“The way he grabbed the bridle from the 600m was not ideal,” he said.
“On race day though, he’s normally quite push button, so I’m not too worried about it.
“Performance wise I don’t think (the trial) was the best performance he’s put in, but it’s the best he’s ever felt in his action, that’s for sure.”