Alligator Blood is poised to make his long-awaited return to racing in next Saturday week’s Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, with his connections keeping expectations measured after more than a year on the sidelines.
The seven-time Group 1 winner last appeared in the Champions Mile in November 2023, sidelined afterward by a serious injury. Since then, the gelding has made steady progress through his recovery program.
“He’s had two trials now and is going nicely, we’re happy with him,” owner Jeff Simpson said.
“He was pretty competitive the other day in his trial, we’re on target for the All Aged Stakes, so we’ll see what happens.”
Now under the guidance of leading trainer Chris Waller, Alligator Blood has continued to improve with each outing, pleasing his team with his attitude and physical development.
“He (Waller) was happy with his trial, he’s getting a bit stronger as he goes along, I’m not sure we are expecting him to do great things in the All Aged Stakes, but we’ll see what happens,” Simpson said.
“He’s a warrior, as long as he’s competitive in that race, we’ll be happy.”
Plans for Alligator Blood’s future will become clearer following his first-up performance, but a return to Queensland for the Winter Carnival appears the likely next step.
