Angel Capital eyes elusive Group 1 in Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
Angel Capital has displayed Group 1 potential throughout his 17-start career.
Yet, a triumph at the highest level has remained beyond the reach of the Harry Angel colt so far.
A sharp training session on Tuesday morning, combined with a favourable barrier draw, presents Angel Capital with a significant opportunity to secure a maiden Group 1 victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
The gelding finished fourth in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last year and has since achieved placings at Group 1 level in the C F Orr Stakes, the Newmarket Handicap, and the William Reid Stakes.
Initially, Angel Capital was slated to compete in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield the following Sunday. However, the presence of a high-rated contender, Tom Kitten, in Saturday's race led to a reconsideration of the strategy.
"We've got to win that Group 1," trainer Chris Waller said. "I thought he might have been topweight, but when there is a higher rated horse in the race, so that helped him with his weight, so it's an invitation to run. I've been happy with his runs, and he should be ready to peak third-up on Saturday."
"His run in the Memsie Stakes was good, but it was tempo related. We learnt that he is more tractable now and doing everything right and from a good draw he can sit a little bit closer, and he doesn't have to be out the back."
Angel Capital is one of three horses trainer Chris Waller will saddle in the Sir Rupert Clarke, with Lady Shenandoah and Sun God also in contention.
Lady Shenandoah was a late withdrawal from The 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, avoiding a direct contest with Autumn Glow after drawing the inside barrier at Caulfield.
The mare, a three-time Group 1 winner, achieved all those victories as a three-year-old, and Waller is eager to see her add another top-flight success to her resume as an older horse.
Waller indicated that bypassing a clash with Autumn Glow was a logical move, as both mares are owned by interests with significant overlap.
He emphasized that the advantageous draw on Saturday is crucial for Lady Shenandoah's chances.
"She ran in the Manikato Stakes (at Moonee Valley) this time last year and had no luck from the wide draw," Waller stated.
Waller mentioned that the imported galloper Sun God has shown remarkable improvement since being campaigned over shorter distances.
"He probably seems a bit below Group 1 level at this stage, but he's done nothing wrong since he's been in Australia," Waller commented. "We've worked out he is a sprinter, not a stayer, and since he's been trained that way, he's been lethal fresh and putting a good record together. Hopefully he runs well on Saturday."
With the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes shaping up to be a thrilling contest, exploring the racing betting markets on online bookmakers will be essential.
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