Might And Power Stakes trip ideal for Alligator Blood
Gai Waterhouse insists the 2000m journey of the Might And Power at Caulfield on Saturday is Alligator Blood's right distance.
Alligator Blood has won 14 times from his 32 starts over distances ranging from 1200m to 1800m but is yet to win in two attempts in the 2000m range.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper finished fifth in the Might And Power last year before going on to run fifth in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley two weeks later.
As he did ahead of the Might And Power last year, Alligator Blood is coming off a victory in the Underwood Stakes (1800m).
Last year's victory was against five opponents at Sandown while his most recent came in a field of 15 at Caulfield on September 23.
Waterhouse said Alligator Blood reminds her of previous stable stars Juggler and Grand Armee.
"He rolls up his sleeves, gets on with the job," Waterhouse told RSN.
"It's his right trip. He loves the 2000 metres.
"He's a lovely, big strong horse and he's in great order."
Tim Clark reunites with Alligator Blood on Saturday after a fall on the eve of the gelding's first-up run at Caulfield in September ruled him out.
Damien Oliver took to the saddle and claimed the Underwood on the seven-year-old.
"Tim's won three Group 1's on the gelding. He knows him backwards," Waterhouse said.
Stablemate Just Fine will be out to extend his unbeaten Australian record when he lines-up against Alligator Blood on Saturday.
The pair dominate the betting with online bookies with Alligator Blood at $2.40 and Just Fine at $3.10.
Just Fine is dropping back in distance and rising to weight-for-age company after landing The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick at his most recent start.
"He's coming back in trip, but he has travelled down really well," Waterhouse said.
"He's very much an English staying type of horse.
"He's remarkably tough and if you go back to his previous race, he was being eyeballed by a horse on the inside and by another on the outside.
"He went whack at the end and I love those sorts of horses."
Just Fine is not among the entries for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday week with the Waterhouse and Bott stable eyeing the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 7.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...