Jye McNeil has secured the valuable mount on Angel Capital for the concluding Group 1 event of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival at Caulfield.
McNeil made his way to Caulfield early Tuesday to work Angel Capital ahead of the William Reid Stakes (1200m) this Saturday.
Normally held at Moonee Valley, the William Reid Stakes has shifted to Caulfield because the usual venue is under renovation for Saturday’s card.
In recent weeks, McNeil has notched several strong engagements from Chris Waller, and with usual rider Ben Melham up in Sydney pursuing another Golden Slipper victory this time aboard Streisand, he steps up to pilot the early second pick in William Reid markets.
Angel Capital sits at $6 in ante-post wagering prior to Wednesday’s field declaration, trailing the $1.90 market leader Jimmysstar.
McNeil noted it marked his initial time on Angel Capital, and he was taken by how smoothly the horse moved without a rider.
“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 mentioned reviewing Angel Capital’s past races and plans to consult Melham soon regarding the four-year-old.
Melham guided Angel Capital to three victories during his three-year-old campaign under Clinton McDonald prior to the switch to Chris Waller, and has partnered in three of the entire’s four latest appearances.
“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 boasts two triumphs and a runner-up effort from five outings at Caulfield, though untested at 1200m there.
In his latest run, Angel Capital placed third in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 7.
Explore the online bookmakers for the top betting markets for the race in the William Reid Stakes.
