Search

show me:

news preview

Angel to Capitalise on handicap chance

Harry Angel 4YO to chase first Group 1 win this weekend at Caulfield.

ANGEL CAPITAL winning the Orbit Logistics Chautauqua Stakes at Moonee Valley in Australia.
ANGEL CAPITAL winning the Orbit Logistics Chautauqua Stakes at Moonee Valley in Australia. Picture: Racing Photos

The build-up to the Makybe Diva Stakes proved how quickly things can change in racing, but Chris Waller appears to have settled on the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes as the next start for Angel Capital.

The 1400-metre handicap is one of two $1 million Group 1 races that will be run at Caulfield this Saturday, accompanied by the Underwood Stakes (1800m).

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes will be run six days before the $2 million weight-for-age Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, which was Waller's other option with Angel Capital.

"We'd love to go the Manikato, but he'll get in well at the weights in the Sir Rupert Clarke and 1400 will be no problem," Waller said.

"I'd hate to miss the Sir Rupert Clarke and he draw the outside barrier in the Manikato.

"If we're good enough to win a Manikato, I'm sure he'll win multiple Group 1 races, so I think we'll just try the Sir Rupert Clarke."

Angel Capital, a four-year-old son of Harry Angel, resumed with a scintillating win in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 6.

That was his fifth win from eight starts, but first for Waller following his purchase by Yulong and transferral from original trainer Clinton Mcdonald and the champion trainer was excited to pull the covers off him after an aborted campaign earlier in the year.

"We have been patient with him, we've had to the patient just with wet tracks and things like that, but he's a really nice horse."

Angel Capital was one of 22 nominations for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, which also features Another Wil and rising star Sepals.

Another Wil was also entered for the Underwood Stakes, as were 25 others including last year's winner Buckaroo, Melbourne Cup fancy Sir Delius and last year's Melbourne Cup champion Knight's Choice


Racing and Sports