Alligator Blood has fallen just short of a new record in the public vote into the All-Star Mile.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper collected 18,301 votes to head the Top 10 into the All-Star Mile after voting closed on Sunday night.
His vote count was just 200 shy of the record he established in 2020.
Alligator Blood’s victory in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Sandown on Saturday saw the galloper poll an extra 2500 votes in the final 24 hours of voting.
The Futurity winner, who gained an automatic start into the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 18 with his win on Saturday, finished ahead of I Wish I Win (16,002) and last year’s All-Star Mile runner-up I’m Thunderstruck (15,416).
There was drama down the leader board with Gentleman Roy (2707 votes) holding onto tenth place, ahead of Sheeza Belta (11th win 2460).
With Gentleman Roy landing the final spot in the vote count, it gives Lindsay Park trainers Ben and J D Hayes dual representation with Mr Brightside, fourth in last year’s race at Flemington, gaining fourth place in the public vote with 9661 votes.
Matt Welsh, RV Executive General Manager – Racing, said the Top 10 represented a blend of horses that were established weight-for-age stars, emerging talent and a couple of feelgood stories in The Inevitable and Keats.
“Full credit to Alligator Blood who topped the voting for a second time,” Welsh said.
“He was brilliant winning the Futurity Stakes on Saturday, but we know that a full field of 15 at The Valley represents a different challenge.
“One thing that stands out amongst the Top 10 is that there is no shortage of on-speed horses, which should ensure the 2023 All-Star Mile is a truly run contest, befitting of Australia’s richest mile race.”
Racing Victoria and the Moonee Valley Racing Club will announce the five wildcards into the All-Star Mile by March 7.
Top 10 vote getters
1. Alligator Blood (Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott) – 18,301 votes
2. I Wish I Win (Peter Moody) – 16,002 votes
3. I’m Thunderstruck (Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr) – 15,416 votes
4. Mr Brightside (Ben & Jd Hayes) – 9,661 votes
5. Nugget (Ciaron Maher and David Eustace) – 6,963 votes
6. The Inevitable (Scott Brunton) – 5,897 votes
7. Tuvalu (Lindsey Smith) – 4,617 votes
8. Jacquinot (Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr) – 3,998 votes
9. Keats (Gavin Bedggood) – 2,851 votes
10. Gentleman Roy (Ben and J D Hayes) – 2,707 votes