Trainer Clinton McDonald and jockey Ben Melham will target the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1, following Angel Capital’s impressive first-up win at Caulfield.

Success in Saturday’s Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) sets Angel Capital up for a Guineas run.

The colt was one of the top contenders for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last spring but finished sixth and was sent for a spell after not pulling up well.

McDonald’s decision to give Angel Capital an extended break proved to be a wise one as the colt returned in top form on Saturday.

As the $2.70 favourite, Angel Capital powered to a 1-½ length win, with Plymouth ($10) second and Evaporate ($3.70) third.

“This time in, his recovery’s been really good, whereas last time he was always a little bit suspect,” McDonald said.

“He’s starting to mature mentally, and the penny’s starting to drop.”

Melham, who’s partnered with Angel Capital in his past four starts, believes the colt is now a miler.

“He’s filled out and strengthened, and he did a good job to reel them in today,” Melham said.

“He’ll be pretty hard to beat in the Guineas.”