Alligator Blood ready for rematch with Caulfield Guineas conqueror Super Seth

Alligator Blood proved himself a seasoned traveller, arriving in Melbourne without incident before one of the most enticing clashes of the autumn.

• Lloyd changes saddles to help old friend
• Smith tempts voters with slice of $5m pie

Alligator Blood proved himself a seasoned traveller, arriving in Melbourne without incident on Wednesday morning before one of the most enticing clashes of the autumn next Saturday.

Trainer David Vandyke flew with Alligator Blood and said it was remarkable how much more mature he is now compared to his first trip away at the beginning of last spring.

“He was just taking it in his stride and that was good to see,” he said. “He’s arrived here at Flemington and he’s in a good head space.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Alligator Blood has arrived in Melbourne in great shape for his autumn campaign. Picture: AAP

“Whenever we travel a horse from a different climate over a long distance, there’s always a degree of risk, so we will be monitoring him closely over the next few days and hopefully we see him eating up and doing well.”

ALL-STAR MILE: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE HORSE

Alligator Blood meets his Caulfield Guineas conqueror Super Seth and boom Kiwi Catalyst in next Saturday’s C.S. Hayes Stakes before a probable rematch in the Australian Guineas, and then a possible All-Star Mile start, setting up a tantalising sequence of races for the trio.

“We see so many of these better horses, especially three-year-olds that are sold overseas or go to stud and in modern times, we don’t see the great clashes we did in yesteryear,” Vandyke said.

Alligator blood has landed in Melbourne safe and sound 🐊🩸@Racing pic.twitter.com/zj2ppC84Am

— Shaun Postlethwaite (@shaunposs90) February 4, 2020

“To have the three-year-old star of New Zealand Catalyst, Super Seth and Alligator Blood all meeting at Flemington next week, it’s just an exciting event.

“If we don’t win, well, I just hope the better horse beats us. I’m really excited that we’re competing against these horses.”

Alligator Blood is the early frontrunner in All-Star Mile voting, underlining how popular he’s become in such a short time.

“He mightn’t be the fastest horse in Australia, but he’s certainly very popular and it’s full credit to his record and his profile,” his trainer said.