Trainer Clinton McDonald and jockey Ben Melham are aiming for redemption in the Australian Guineas following Angel Capital’s impressive return to racing at Caulfield.
Angel Capital secured victory in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, setting the stage for his run in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1.
Previously a strong contender in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last spring, Angel Capital failed to fire, finishing sixth before being spelled. The extended break proved beneficial as the colt returned in top form.
Backed as the $2.70 betting companies favourite, Angel Capital dominated the field, winning by 1-½ lengths over Plymouth ($10), with Evaporate ($3.70) another 1-¼ lengths behind in third place.
McDonald was pleased with the colt’s progress, noting: “This time in, after his gallops and after his trials, his recovery’s been really good, whereas last time in he was always a little bit suspect.”
He further explained, “I just think that was maturity, and the way that he behaved today, he’s just starting to mature mentally and learn what this game’s about.”
McDonald confirmed their future plans: “He’ll go straight to the Guineas, I’d say, and then if he ran well there, we’d go to the All-Star Mile, then we’d pull up stumps and get him ready for the spring.”
Melham, who has partnered with Angel Capital in his past four starts, was impressed with the colt’s development.
“He’s a good trainer, Clinton. He’s been very patient with him, and we had to work out what direction we went, whether we stayed at a sprint trip or had a crack at the Guineas,” Melham said.
Believing Angel Capital is best suited for the mile, Melham added: “To me, he feels like a miler. He’s a horse that can get a bit aggressive, so it was good to see him find a spot, although I was hoping they’d go a bit quicker.”
Reflecting on the win, he stated, “He did a good job to pick himself up from that position and reel them in the way he did. I reckon he’ll be pretty hard to beat in the Guineas this time.”
v>
