For the Melbourne Autumn Carnival’s final Group 1 at Caulfield, Jye McNeil picks up the ride on Angel Capital.
McNeil was at Caulfield Tuesday morning, trialling Angel Capital in readiness for Saturday’s William Reid Stakes (1200m).
With Moonee Valley sidelined by rebuild works, the William Reid Stakes moves to Caulfield for the weekend’s races.
Lately, McNeil has benefited from Chris Waller’s bookings, and Ben Melham’s quest for a repeat Golden Slipper in Sydney on Streisand leaves the William Reid second favourite to McNeil.
Angel Capital is quoted at $6 heading into Wednesday’s acceptances, behind $1.90 favourite Jimmysstar.
McNeil’s first feel of Angel Capital impressed him during the riderless session.
“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 plans to analyse Angel Capital’s videos further and touch base with Melham on the four-year-old.
Under Clinton McDonald at three, Melham won three times on Angel Capital before joining Chris Waller, and has been back for three of four recent runs.
“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.”
At Caulfield, Angel Capital has notched two wins and a second in five goes, untested over the 1200m distance.
Last time out on March 7, he ran third in the Flemington Newmarket Handicap (1200m).
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