"IF he jumps cleanly, he just wins."
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That's the bold prediction of owner Allan Endresz in regards to Alligator Blood's chances in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill on Saturday.
Bookmakers disagree with the Australian Guineas winner losing his stranglehold on favouritism for the world's third richest race on turf.
Alligator Blood has been favourite for the $7.5-million feature since future markets were first released several months ago.
But a wide barrier draw and the prospect of a heavy track has seen Alligator Blood's price drift from as short as $4 to an $8.5 third favourite.
Endresz dismissed drawing barrier 15 and a rain affected track as major hurdles to his star galloper taking out the eye-popping $4 million first prize.
"I'm prepared to go out on a limb and say if he jumps cleanly, he just wins."
- Allan Endresz
"I'm not buying into the hype surrounding the track and the barrier draw," Endresz said.
"I'm in Sydney and the weather is fine and with not much further rain forecast the track should be a soft 7 which will be perfect.
"We should come into barrier 12 after scratchings which is not insurmountable.
"The thing that worries me most is 'Al' getting cleanly out of the barriers which he hasn't in two starts this preparation.
"I'm prepared to go out on a limb and say if he jumps cleanly, he just wins."
A boom three-year-old winning nine of 12 career starts, Alligator Blood is yet to prove he has returned as dominant as a four-year-old.
The son of All Too Hard has finished third and second since resuming over unsuitable shorter trips.
Endresz expects Alligator Blood to be ready to peak third-up and over his pet distance of 1500m.
"The $4 million first prize is inconsequential to me," he said.
"I just want to see 'Al' restore his reputation as one of stars of the Australian turf.
"He gets the opportunity on Saturday to not only prove that he is back, but where he is going.
"That he is a special horse."
