Alligator Blood finally coming of age

Alligator Blood may be a seven-year-old, but his co-trainer Gai Waterhouse says the gelding is finally coming of age.

About to have his 34th race start and chase a 16th career win in Saturday’s Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley, Waterhouse is taken with the gelding.

“He’s so big. When you see him, his rump is like a dining room table,” Waterhouse said.

“He’s got terrific lung capacity. He’s just a terrific horse.”

Alligator Blood will be lining up for his third attempt at successive Group 1 victories.

He took out a second Underwood Stakes (1800m) when successful on at Caulfield on September 23 and was back at that track three weeks later to claim the Might And Power (2000m).

That was Alligator Blood’s first success at 2000m and Waterhouse has no fears about the gelding stretching out an extra 40m against the best weight-for-age company in Australia on Saturday.

“I never had any doubts about him at 2000 metres, although there are always doubters,” Waterhouse said.

“But it was an absolutely convincing win.”

Waterhouse would like nothing more than join the honour roll of Cox Plate winning trainers.

Her father Tommy Smith won seven Cox Plate during his decorated training career.

“I’d love to win the Cox Plate,” Waterhouse said.

“I’ve always adored this race because it marries the two things we do so well in Australia, speed and toughness.

“The race has that electricity about it, vitality and it’s always a great race.”

Waterhouse has left no stone unturned in her bid to win the Cox Plate.

Alligator Blood has galloped at Moonee Valley on numerous occasions this campaign and is well versed on the sometimes tricky lay-out.

Waterhouse galloped Alligator Blood at Moonee Valley last Saturday and he was there again on Tuesday morning for Breakfast With The Best.

“He did his main work on Saturday, which was a good solid hit-out over 1200 metres and on Tuesday he went a little better than three-quarter pace,” Waterhouse said.

“He’s ready to go.”