Throughout his 17-start career, Angel Capital has showcased Group 1 potential.
However, a victory at the highest level has so far eluded the son of Harry Angel.
A pleasing piece of work on Tuesday morning, coupled with an advantageous barrier draw, provides Angel Capital with the opportunity to break through at Group 1 level in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Angel Capital finished fourth in the Sir Rupert Clarke last year and has since gone on to place at Group 1 level in the C F Orr Stakes, the Newmarket Handicap and the William Reid Stakes.
The initial plan was for Angel Capital to contest the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield the following Sunday. However, the presence of Tom Kitten, a natural topweight in Saturday’s race, prompted a strategic adjustment.
“We’ve got to win that Group 1,” trainer Chris Waller said. “I thought he might have been topweight, but when there is a higher rated horse in the race, so that helped him with his weight, so it’s an invitation to run. I’ve been happy with his runs, and he should be ready to peak third-up on Saturday.”
“His run in the Memsie Stakes was good, but it was tempo related. We learnt that he is more tractable now and doing everything right and from a good draw he can sit a little bit closer, and he doesn’t have to be out the back.”
Angel Capital is one of three runners Waller has entered for the Sir Rupert Clarke, alongside Lady Shenandoah and Sun God.
Lady Shenandoah was scratched from The 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, avoiding a clash with Autumn Glow after drawing barrier one at Caulfield.
A three-time Group 1 winner, all her victories were achieved as a three-year-old, and Waller is keen to add another top-flight success to her record as an older mare.
Waller indicated that bypassing a contest with Autumn Glow was a sensible decision, as both mares share similar ownership interests.
He highlighted the importance of the good draw on Saturday for Lady Shenandoah’s chances.
“She ran in the Manikato Stakes (at Moonee Valley) this time last year and had no luck from the wide draw,” Waller commented.
Waller stated that import Sun God has been a revelation since being kept to shorter distances.
“He probably seems a bit below Group 1 level at this stage, but he’s done nothing wrong since he’s been in Australia,” Waller said. “We’ve worked out he is a sprinter, not a stayer, and since he’s been trained that way, he’s been lethal fresh and putting a good record together. Hopefully he runs well on Saturday.”
Given the competitive nature of the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, checking the latest racing odds on Australian betting sites is a must.