Angel Capital resumes with big win in 2025 Chautauqua Stakes
Angel Capital announced his arrival in Chris Waller’s stable with a brilliant first-up success at Moonee Valley, underlining his potential to be one of the spring’s headline acts. Sent out favourite in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m), the son of Wootton Bassett delivered exactly what his new connections were hoping for.
The colt began his career under Clinton McDonald and notched a Group 2 victory in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) in February before being acquired by Yulong Stud. Waller had originally targeted a Brisbane campaign, but the wet winter forced a rethink, with Melbourne chosen as the ideal launching pad.
Damian Lane rode him to perfection, keeping him relaxed early before unleashing a powerful sprint in the straight. The $2.10 elect powered away by 3-¼ lengths from Compelling Truth ($14), with Miraval Rose ($9) narrowly in third. Duckworth said the key instruction was to get the first half of the race right. “He was nice and soft on him early and when he wanted to open him up, he was there ready to explode. It was an exciting win.”
As a colt on Yulong’s roster, Angel Capital’s campaign will be focused on securing a Group 1 to add significant breeding value. Possible paths include the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield or the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley later in the month.
“With this first run he may settle better next time, and whether we keep him at 1200 or step him back to 1400 is something we’ll learn,” Duckworth said. “But it’s an exciting problem to have with a colt of his quality.”
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