Angel Capital is no stranger to Caulfield, yet Chris Waller still felt it was worth taking the talented entire back to the venue on Tuesday morning ahead of this weekend’s $1 million CF Orr Stakes (1400m).
The four-year-old completed his final tuning gallop on the course proper, with Waller explaining the visit was part of a deliberate effort to ensure the colt is mentally and physically in the right place for his latest Group 1 attempt.
“Just to keep him ticking over, he’s a colt and to keep him interested,” Waller said.
“Get him back at Caulfield, which he’s been to before, get him on a soft track – his better form’s on Good tracks – and just get him used to the environment.
“It’s a big day for him and (we’re) ticking every box.”
Angel Capital has raced four times at Caulfield among his 10 career starts, including victories in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude and Group 2 Autumn Stakes last season before being sold to Yulong.
His lone Caulfield run since joining Waller came when fourth in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on September 20, where he closed strongly late.
Ben Melham, who was in the saddle for both Caulfield wins, is reunited with the horse after partnering him in The Everest, where he finished a solid sixth.
Waller said Melham’s feedback after Tuesday’s gallop was encouraging.
“He knows the horse better than I do and he said he feels great; he’s nice and relaxed,” Waller said.
“The 1400 metres, he’s ready for it, but obviously it’s going to be a great race.”
Angel Capital is on the second line of betting for the Orr, behind Russell Balding Stakes winner Jimmysstar, with Golden Eagle placegetter Evaporate next in the market.


