GROUP one winner Alligator Blood ramped up his spring preparations with an effortless trial win at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
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The David Vandyke trained galloper was partnered by Michael Hellyer after regular rider Ryan Maloney was injured at the barriers at Doomben on Saturday.
Part-owner Allan Endresz said Alligator Blood would have one start in his home state before targeting the spring riches in either Melbourne or Sydney.
"I spoke to David and he said 'Big Al' coasted to an easy win," Endresz said.
"David said he run good time and done everything he expected of him.
"Our unraced two-year-old Crypto Tycoon also went around in the trial.
"Similar to Alligator Blood he is by All Too Hard and is showing some promising signs as well.
"David has got big raps on him so I'm pumped for the spring and can't wait for the big races to start."
Endresz said Alligator Blood would make his highly anticipated return to racing on September 12.
His spring campaign remains up in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"David said he doesn't need another trial and will head straight to the races next month," he said.
"It looks like he will have to lump 62kg around the Sunshine Coast but that doesn't worry us.
"David will then decide if the horse campaigns in either Melbourne or Sydney.
"We are just keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 restrictions in both states which will determine which way we head."
Alligator Blood is among the leading chances in several features over the spring including the Golden Eagle and the Cox Plate.
The winner of almost $2 milllion in prizemoney is $6 favourite for the Golden Eagle in pre-post markets.
He is also the third favourite for the Cox Plate at $15 behind Master Of Wine and Russian Camelot.
Meanwhile jockey Brodie Loy combined with Tumut trainer Kerry Weir to win aboard hotpot Cape Cluster at Wagga on Sunday.
Cape Cluster was heavily supported into the $1.60-favourite before winning the $22,000 Maiden Handicap, (1600m).
Cape Cluster had finished runner-up at Wagga and Gundagai at his previous two starts and was able to score his maiden win from his eighth start.
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Weir said his four-year-old gelding would only get better with experience.
"He is still immature but 2000m next preparation will be his go," Weir said.
"He did a good job on the heavy 10."
Albury trainer Mitch Beer also secured a win on the six-race card after Logan River made a winning return first-up from a spell.
The noted mud-runner relished the heavy 10 conditions to score a longshot victory in the $22,000 Wagga Whiz Handicap, (1000m) with Josh Richards aboard.
Logan River was a $14-chance and the first leg of a winning double for Richards who also won aboard Lennox Road in the final race.
Beer said it was a sentimental win.
"Logan River was the first tried horse I purchased when I moved to Albury for just $15,000," he said.
"He's just a marvel and boasts his fair share of talent."
Logan River has now had five wins and five minor placings from 24-career starts for more than $100,000 in career earnings.