Trainer Clinton McDonald opted for a full race day experience at Sandown for Australian Guineas favourite Angel Capital instead of a standard jump-out at Cranbourne.

Arriving an hour and a half before an exhibition gallop held between the first two races at Sandown’s Wednesday meeting, Angel Capital showed signs of sweating up before working alongside stablemate Acid Wash.

Guided by jockey Ben Melham, the Yulong-owned colt narrowly edged out Acid Wash at the conclusion of their gallop.

“It was fantastic work,” McDonald said.

“He needed to have a strong gallop because he had just done too well since his first-up run.

“It was an ideal scenario to bring him here, put him under race day conditions, being at the races, the noise, getting the juices flowing.

“He had a nice sweat before the gallop, which I thought he would because he was up on his toes, but the work was very slick.”

Angel Capital, who claimed victory in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8, remains the frontrunner for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday week.

McDonald revealed he initially considered sending the colt for a jump-out at Cranbourne last Monday.

“I think he’s got more out of this,” McDonald said.

“At Cranbourne, he trots down 800 metres and he’s at the trial, whereas today, he’s had a 45-minute float ride here and another 45-minute float ride home.

“It takes the juice out of him.

“He had a gallop on Saturday morning, and this will be his main piece of work leading into the Guineas.”

A $400,000 yearling purchase by Harry Angel, Angel Capital comes from a strong pedigree, being a half-brother to Senor Toba and Berkeley Square.

Earlier this week, news emerged that Angel Capital is the latest high-profile acquisition by Yulong Stud, which is aiming to bolster its stallion roster with another elite contender.

Yulong’s first stallion, Grunt, captured the Australian Guineas title in 2018.

“We’re very grateful for Yulong to get on board and buy such a lovely colt, now it’s up to us to get the job done at Group 1 level,” McDonald said.

“I’m pretty confident that we can.”

McDonald also confirmed that the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8 remains a possibility for Angel Capital, depending on his performance in the Guineas.