3 minute read
The two key chances in the All-Star Mile have drawn favourably for the race at Moonee Valley.
Alligator Blood has retained his position at the top of the betting for the All-Star Mile after drawing favourably in barrier seven.
The Gai Waterhourse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper is one of 15 horses for the $5 million race at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
After watching Alligator Blood work at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning, Waterhouse said she did not care which barrier the gelding started from on Saturday.
"I never worry about barriers, they're like your parents, you can't do much about it," Waterhouse said.
Alligator Blood remained the $3 favourite for Saturday's race ahead of I'm Thunderstruck who firmed from $6 to $5 after drawing barrier five.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained I'm Thunderstruck was also taken to Moonee Valley for his final piece of work.
And the stable's confidence has grown with the draw.
"Terry Henderson, from OTI might just have found himself a new job," Kent Jnr said of the draw.
"He's had six runs between 1500 (metres) and a mile for four wins and a second. That's his trip and we've peaked him for this race, we hope.
"He's going super."
The Lindsay Park operation of Ben and J D Hayes will have three runners with So Si Bon joining Mr Brightside and Gentleman Roy who were entrenched in the field through the public vote.
So Si Bon got the last-minute call-up after Peter Moody elected to bypass Saturday's race with I Wish I Win to concentrate on the Group 1 T J Smith in Sydney.
J D Hayes was initially disappointed with barrier 10 for Gentleman Roy, but on reflection thought the draw will give new jockey Daniel Stackhouse options, while Mr Brightside drew perfectly in two.
He said gate 15 for So Si Bon was not ideal.
"I couldn't be happier for Mr Brightside to have an inside alley," Hayes said.
"He ran a cracking race in it last year after unfortunately being last on the turn.
"I'm hoping that won't be the case this time and we'll be a little closer in the run.
"My initial reaction with Roy I wasn't too happy, but I've had a think about. He can begin so well from the barrier and that's the best thing for him, not get too keen and have some time to come across.
"He'll be able to get into his rhythm from out there and run another genuine race.
"I'll have to give So Si Bon a pat. I didn't do him any favours with his draw."
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Nugget came up with barrier while stablemate The Fortune Teller is the emergency.
If The Fortune Teller gains a start, it will take over the barrier of whichever horse is withdrawn.
