Seven-time Group 1-winning horse Alligator Blood is making a surprise return to the track after a serious injury nearly a year ago. The eight-year-old will now be trained by Chris Waller, following a successful stint with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in 2023.

Alligator Blood, who has been recovering at Tim Boland’s Limitless Lodge in NSW, will be exploring new training methods under Waller’s guidance. The horse, owned by Gerry Harvey, Jeff and Robyn Simpson, has fully healed from his injury and is ready to return to racing.

In other racing news, Sunday’s Albany $125,000 Fitzpatrick Plate winner Playing Rio will attempt to capture a feature double in the Mount Barker Sprint, while Sydney jockey Rachel King clinched victory in the Group 3 Kyoto Kimpai in Japan. Additionally, a decision on the venue for this year’s Magic Millions will be made on Thursday, with track staff working to repair a chemically-damaged area of the circuit before the big event.