Adrian Bott has confirmed star galloper Alligator Blood has been sent to the paddock and will not contest Saturday’s Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, said the decision wasn’t easy as the six-year-old had come through his latest Doncaster Handicap (1600m) run in terrific order.
“He’s gone to the paddock. It was tempting to go on, but we just spoke with the ownership group, we always had the intention of just giving him a light campaign this time around with the focus on the spring,” Bott said.
“When we got the heavy track out of the Doncaster, we sort of thought it was probably best to stick to our original plan.
“He’s come through the run super; he could’ve easily gone (All-Aged Stakes), as I said we were very tempted, but the ownership group are happy to look after his longevity.
“He’s got a big spring campaign ahead, so he needs a good break. We’ll look after him and give him a break.”
In a three-race autumn preparation, Alligator Blood took out the G1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and ran a gallant fourth in the $5m All-Star Mile.
– racing.com
