Angel Capital has demonstrated Group 1 potential across his 17-race career.
However, a victory at the elite level has, to date, eluded the son of Harry Angel.
Following a strong gallop on Tuesday morning and, importantly, a favourable barrier draw, Angel Capital has been presented with an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough at Group 1 level in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
Angel Capital finished fourth in the Sir Rupert Clarke last year and has since gone on to place at Group 1 level in the C F Orr Stakes, the Newmarket Handicap, and the William Reid Stakes.
The original plan was for Angel Capital to compete in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield the following Sunday. However, the presence of Tom Kitten, a natural topweight in Saturday’s race, necessitated a strategic revision.
“We’ve got to win that Group 1,” trainer Chris Waller said. “I thought he might have been topweight, but when there is a higher rated horse in the race, so that helped him with his weight, so it’s an invitation to run. I’ve been happy with his runs, and he should be ready to peak third-up on Saturday.”
“His run in the Memsie Stakes was good, but it was tempo related. We learnt that he is more tractable now and doing everything right and from a good draw he can sit a little bit closer, and he doesn’t have to be out the back.”
Angel Capital is one of three runners trainer Chris Waller has entered for the Sir Rupert Clarke, alongside Lady Shenandoah and Sun God.
Lady Shenandoah was withdrawn from The 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, thus avoiding a clash with Autumn Glow after securing barrier one at Caulfield.
A three-time Group 1 winner, with all her victories achieved as a three-year-old, Waller is eager to add another top-tier success to her record as an older mare.
Waller explained that bypassing a direct confrontation with Autumn Glow made good strategic sense, as both mares share similar ownership interests.
He stressed that the advantageous draw on Saturday is vital for Lady Shenandoah’s prospects.
“She ran in the Manikato Stakes (at Moonee Valley) this time last year and had no luck from the wide draw,” Waller stated.
Waller noted that the imported galloper Sun God has been a revelation since his racing program was adjusted to shorter distances.
“He probably seems a bit below Group 1 level at this stage, but he’s done nothing wrong since he’s been in Australia,” Waller commented. “We’ve worked out he is a sprinter, not a stayer, and since he’s been trained that way, he’s been lethal fresh and putting a good record together. Hopefully he runs well on Saturday.”
With the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes drawing near, exploring the betting markets for the race on Australian betting sites is highly recommended.
