Jye McNeil now holds the plum engagement on Angel Capital for Caulfield’s closing Group 1 during the Melbourne Autumn Carnival.
Tuesday saw McNeil at Caulfield putting Angel Capital through his workout routine before the William Reid Stakes (1200m) set for Saturday.
Caulfield hosts the William Reid Stakes this time around since Moonee Valley remains closed for reconstruction ahead of the Saturday program.
Chris Waller has supplied McNeil with notable recent rides, and Ben Melham’s Sydney trip for another Golden Slipper tilt aboard Streisand opens the door for McNeil on the William Reid’s early second elect.
At $6 pre-Wednesday fields, Angel Capital follows Jimmysstar who leads at $1.90.
First time on board Angel Capital, McNeil appreciated the horse’s easy manner in the unaccompanied gallop.
“He can look a bit tricky in his races, but this morning he was beautiful and relaxed and worked nicely,” McNeil said.
“He’s a nice horse and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity.
“He does like Caulfield and hopefully he can put his best foot forward on Saturday.”
McNeil has reviewed Angel Capital’s race replays and aims to confer with Melham about the four-year-old shortly.
Melham secured three successes on Angel Capital at three under Clinton McDonald before the transfer to Chris Waller, resuming for three of the horse’s past four efforts.
“Watching the replays, it looks like he can get a little bit strong, that’s what I mean by a bit tricky, but this morning he never gave me that feel at all,” McNeil said.
“The 1200 (metres) out of the chute at Caulfield, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“I’ll speak to Ben, potentially. He’s been on him a bit and between now and Saturday I’ll hopefully have a chat to him and see what he thinks.
“It’s a good race, with the good horses there, but on his day, he’s more than capable.”
Angel Capital holds a record of two victories and one second across five Caulfield starts, yet to tackle 1200m locally.
His fresh form features a third placing in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington back on March 7.
For the best sports betting options on the William Reid Stakes, visit the betting sites.
