Gator eyes Cox Plate

ALLIGATOR Blood’s planned resumption in Brisbane on September 12 remains unchanged, despite trainer David Vandyke opening the door on a possible Cox Plate tilt.

Alligator Blood has long been favourite for Sydney’s $7.5 million Golden Eagle and that race remains the slightly favoured target but Vandyke is covering bases by nominating for Melbourne as well.

“Nominations close on Tuesday for the Cox Plate and under the circumstances of uncertainty we are all living in at the moment, it’s wise for us to throw a nom in,” Sunshine Coast-based Vandyke said.

“There have been instances (since the COVID outbreak) of them calling meetings off with very little notice.

“We’ve seen it happen in Sydney and Melbourne.

“I wouldn’t like to get close to the Golden Eagle and then the circumstances change due to COVID-19 and we’re all dressed up with nowhere to go.

“Now is the time to explore all the options.”