Angel Capital kicks off in the Autumn Stakes
Trainer Clinton McDonald is aiming to capitalize on the dry conditions with a strategic three-race autumn campaign for Angel Capital.
The campaign begins this Saturday at Caulfield in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m). Depending on his performance, McDonald is considering the Group 1 Futurity Stakes over the same course and distance on February 22. However, a jump-out may be preferred before Angel Capital’s primary target, the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1.
A win in the Australian Guineas would earn the colt a spot in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8.
Angel Capital has not raced since finishing sixth in last October’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), where a post-race blood test revealed minor health concerns.
“He had a bit of a dirty blood, nothing too serious, but enough to suggest he had reached the end of his prep,” McDonald explained. “Plus, the sticky track didn’t suit him—it was hard to make up ground. Everything was against him that day.”
Following that run, Angel Capital was immediately spelled for a well-deserved rest.
“He hadn’t had a proper spell since his Cranbourne run leading up to the Guineas. There was just a short two-week break after his Queensland campaign,” McDonald said.
Ben Melham will take the reins on Saturday, and McDonald remains confident that Angel Capital can handle the 1600m distance of both the Guineas and the All-Star Mile.
“We’ve tested him, and although he hasn’t succeeded over 1600m yet, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t get it. His dam stayed 2400m, and his half-brother, Berkeley Square, won the Ballarat Cup,” McDonald noted.
During his spell, Angel Capital has grown significantly, with McDonald describing him as a “massive horse” who will benefit from another break after his brief autumn campaign.
“He needs firm ground to perform at his best, so I suggested to the owners that we stick to three races and then send him to the paddock,” McDonald said.
“I thought about the Doncaster with a light weight, but if we set him for it and end up with a wet track, it would be frustrating.”
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