Endresz cited top-weight of 61kg, the 1110m sprint trip and some formidable rivals as all potential stumbling blocks for his group one winner.

Alligator Blood is set to resume in the $100,000 Open Quality Handicap, (1110m) with regular hoop Ryan Maloney aboard.

"I'm more worried about Al getting beat in this race then I ever have previously," Endresz said.

"The 1110m is well short of his pet distance and 1200m is the shortest race he has previously contested.

"The Odyssey is no slouch and has a huge advantage at the weights with only 54kg on his back.

"We certainly don't want to give him a gut buster first-up when we have a lot bigger fish to fry later in the spring.

"I'm certainly not getting myself wound up that he has to win.

"But he has to start off his preparation somewhere."

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Alligator Blood is quoted as a $1.85 chance in pre-post markets.

The Odyssey is considered his biggest threat at $4.50.

Endresz said Alligator Blood merchandise had been in hot demand this week ahead of his highly anticipated return to racing.

"The response has been great," he said.

"We have put in another order for a couple thousand caps which won't get here to the end of October."