Across his 17-race career, Angel Capital has consistently demonstrated Group 1 calibre.
However, a victory at the elite level has thus far eluded the son of Harry Angel.
Following a strong workout on Tuesday morning and crucially, a favourable barrier draw, Angel Capital is presented with a prime opportunity to achieve a breakthrough at Group 1 company in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
Angel Capital secured fourth place in last year’s Sir Rupert Clarke and has since earned placings at Group 1 level in the C F Orr Stakes, the Newmarket Handicap, and the William Reid Stakes.
The initial plan for Angel Capital was to contest the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield the following Sunday. However, the presence of a natural topweight in Saturday’s race, Tom Kitten, prompted a change of plans.
“We’ve got to win that Group 1,” trainer Chris Waller stated. “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 contenders for Waller in the Sir Rupert Clarke, accompanied by Lady Shenandoah and Sun God.
Lady Shenandoah was withdrawn from The 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, thereby avoiding a direct confrontation with Autumn Glow after securing barrier one at Caulfield.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 significant win to her record as a more mature mare.
Waller explained that avoiding a clash with Autumn Glow was a sensible decision, given that both mares share similar ownership interests.
He highlighted the importance of Saturday’s advantageous draw for Lady Shenandoah’s prospects.
“She ran in the Manikato Stakes (at Moonee Valley) this time last year and had no luck from the wide draw,” Waller commented.
Waller also noted that import Sun God has been a revelation since his racing program was adjusted 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 remarked. “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.”
Considering the exciting field for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, the betting markets on Australian betting sites offer great value for keen punters.
