Angel Capital has had more starts at Caulfield than any other racecourse, but that did not stop Chris Waller returning with him on Tuesday morning.
The explosive four-year-old rounded out his preparations for this Saturday’s $1 million CF Orr Stakes with a course proper gallop at the scene of the 1400-metre Group 1.
Waller said it was a matter of trying to tick every box with the Harry Angel entire, who is chasing what is proving an elusive maiden Group 1 win.
“Just to keep him ticking over, he’s a colt and to keep him interested” Waller said when asked the reason behind the trip across town from his Flemington base.
“Get him back at Caulfield, which he’s been to before, get him on a soft track – his better form’s on Good tracks – and just get him used to the environment.
“It’s a big day for him and (we’re) ticking every box.”
Four of Angel Capital’s 10 starts have been at Caulfield, three of them over the Orr Stakes trip.
He won the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude last spring and the Group 2 Autumn Stakes in February at what was his final start before being purchased by Yulong and transferred from original trainer Clinton Mcdonald to Waller.
Angel Capital’s only start for Waller at Caulfield came in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on September 20, when he was a luckless fourth, beaten just 1-1/4 lengths.
Damian Lane was aboard that day, but Ben Melham resumed the seat for The Everest, in which he was an eye-catching sixth and Melham, who partnered Angel Capital to his two Caulfield wins, again rides this weekend.
The top Melbourne hoop was aboard Tuesday and Waller was buoyed by his report.
“He knows the horse better than I do and he said he feels great; he’s nice and relaxed,” Waller said.
“The 1400 metres, he’s ready for it, but obviously it’s going to be a great race.”
Angel Capital is second favourite in Orr Stakes betting, shaded by last-start Russell Balding Stakes winner Jimmysstar, with Golden Eagle third placegetter Evaporate next in the market.
