Lachlan Neindorf remains unfazed by the wide barrier draw for Stretan Angel at Moonee Valley as the South Australian-based jockey eyes his second Group 1 victory.

Neindorf secured his first Group 1 win in the Sangster Stakes at Morphettville last April aboard Phillip Stokes-trained Climbing Star. This Saturday, he will partner Climbing Star’s stablemate, Stretan Angel, in the William Reid Stakes (1200m).

Stretan Angel galloped at The Valley on Tuesday morning, with Neindorf giving the mare the green light to compete on Saturday.

In her 15-start career, Stretan Angel has raced on only three tracks—nine times up the Flemington straight, five times at Morphettville, and once at Randwick. Neindorf said the mare handled her first experience at Moonee Valley without any issues.

“We were first out on the track,” Neindorf said.

“We were able to trot back to the top of the straight. She led the gallop, took in her surroundings, and focused well.

“She relaxed nicely, changed leads at the right time, and handled the track really well, in my opinion.”

Stretan Angel has been consistently close to Group 1 success. She finished second to Skybird first-up in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) and third behind Joliestar in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m). She also ran second in The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville last May.

“She’s been very consistent, and all she needs now is to win one,” Neindorf said.

“Drawing wide should suit her. We can take our time, settle back, and if the swoopers come into play, as they often do at Moonee Valley, the camber will help. The way she handled the track during the gallop makes me confident she’ll be in the mix on race day.

“In the Newmarket, she got caught in traffic and became a bit keen.

“She prefers fresh air as she can feel claustrophobic, which makes her a bit tricky to ride. But when you ask her, she has an explosive turn of foot. To use that, she needs everything to go right in the run.”

Neindorf, based in Adelaide, travels to Melbourne whenever Stokes calls, especially for a Group 1 contender like Stretan Angel.

“I did all her gallops leading into the Lightning and Newmarket, and I’ve ridden her twice in races. The gallop was the first time I’ve been on her since,” Neindorf said.

“Every time I ride her, I learn a little more.

“I have a lot of respect for her.”