Chris Waller’s spring arsenal has been bolstered by the arrival of Angel Capital, who lit up Moonee Valley with a commanding Stakes victory at his first appearance for the stable. The four-year-old colt, now racing in Yulong colours, confirmed his promise in emphatic fashion on Saturday.

A Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) winner earlier this year when trained by Clinton McDonald, Angel Capital was transferred to Waller after his sale to Yulong Stud. A winter campaign was ruled out due to unsuitable heavy tracks, but the wait proved worthwhile when he exploded fresh in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m).

Backed confidently into $2.10, Angel Capital justified the market support, Damian Lane guiding him to a comprehensive 3-¼ length win from Compelling Truth ($14), with Miraval Rose ($9) close up in third. Duckworth, Waller’s trusted assistant, praised both horse and rider. “It was very important that we got the little things right today and Damian gave him a beautiful ride. He was soft on him early and when he asked, the colt was ready to let down strongly.”

Duckworth confirmed the campaign will revolve around a Group 1 target. “Being a colt, his primary target is to try and get that Group 1. Whether it’s the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield or the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley, both races are under strong consideration. It’s just a matter of working out whether we keep him at 1200 metres or stretch back to 1400.”

For now, connections are delighted to see him resume in such style. “He’s fit, he’s sound, and he’s a colt with a bright future. That’s a great problem for the team to have,” Duckworth said.