Angel Capital to seek Australian Guineas revenge
Trainer Clinton McDonald and jockey Ben Melham are aiming for redemption in the Australian Guineas following Angel Capital’s impressive return to racing at Caulfield.
Angel Capital secured victory in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, setting the stage for his run in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1.
Previously a strong contender in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last spring, Angel Capital failed to fire, finishing sixth before being spelled. The extended break proved beneficial as the colt returned in top form.
Backed as the $2.70 betting companies favourite, Angel Capital dominated the field, winning by 1-½ lengths over Plymouth ($10), with Evaporate ($3.70) another 1-¼ lengths behind in third place.
McDonald was pleased with the colt’s progress, noting: “This time in, after his gallops and after his trials, his recovery’s been really good, whereas last time in he was always a little bit suspect.”
He further explained, “I just think that was maturity, and the way that he behaved today, he’s just starting to mature mentally and learn what this game’s about.”
McDonald confirmed their future plans: “He’ll go straight to the Guineas, I’d say, and then if he ran well there, we’d go to the All-Star Mile, then we’d pull up stumps and get him ready for the spring.”
Melham, who has partnered with Angel Capital in his past four starts, was impressed with the colt’s development.
“He’s a good trainer, Clinton. He’s been very patient with him, and we had to work out what direction we went, whether we stayed at a sprint trip or had a crack at the Guineas,” Melham said.
Believing Angel Capital is best suited for the mile, Melham added: “To me, he feels like a miler. He’s a horse that can get a bit aggressive, so it was good to see him find a spot, although I was hoping they’d go a bit quicker.”
Reflecting on the win, he stated, “He did a good job to pick himself up from that position and reel them in the way he did. I reckon he’ll be pretty hard to beat in the Guineas this time.”
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...