Chris Waller believes the long-awaited Group 1 breakthrough for Angel Capital could be just around the corner as the talented sprinter prepares to launch his spring campaign in Saturday’s Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
A three-time Group 1 placegetter, the five-year-old heads the field for the Group 2 feature and Waller says the run is designed to have him at peak fitness for a second-up assault at elite level.
Whether that comes in the Winx Stakes on August 22 or the Memsie Stakes a week later is yet to be finalised, although Waller indicated Caulfield is the likely destination.
Angel Capital has pleased his trainer with two barrier trials in recent weeks, including a sharp hit-out last Friday.
“He’s well suited at set weights and penalties whereas the others probably aren’t,” Waller said.
“He’s a horse that needs to be rock hard fit second-up at 1400m and he could win a Group 1.
“I’d expect it’ll be the Memsie, because he likes Caulfield, so that will be the first target race.”
James McDonald will partner Angel Capital as he chases a third Missile Stakes victory, having previously won the race aboard Pierata in 2018 and Schwarz in 2024 after last year’s meeting was abandoned.
Interestingly, the Missile Stakes remains one of the few Sydney Group races Waller has yet to win. With Lady Shenandoah being saved for later targets, Angel Capital will be the stable’s sole representative.
Despite entering his five-year-old season, Angel Capital continues to thrive and Waller believes there is no reason he cannot continue racing beyond this campaign.
“He’s come back well, mentally he’s great so there’s no reason why he can’t keep going for another year,” he said.
“I’m happy with the way he’s racing, he’s showing in his races if there’s more tempo he’s fine. So I have no problems with him.”
Should Angel Capital produce another strong campaign, Waller believes the gelding is capable of earning another start in The Everest, where he finished just two lengths behind champion Ka Ying Rising last year. With Yulong holding an Everest slot, the opportunity is already in place.
Waller also provided an update on classy mare Joliestar, who has returned to training following her excellent third placing in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
After completing quarantine at Canterbury and enjoying a brief freshen-up at Limitless Lodge, she has resumed work at Waller’s stable.
“We gave her an easy time after Royal Ascot. She had about two weeks off, then did a week in quarantine work just doing dressage and then she had two weeks here,” Waller said.
“She could resume in The Shorts, or the Manikato Stakes this year is at Caulfield so that’s worth consideration.”
Ka Ying Rising remains the $1.50 favourite with leading betting apps Australia for The Everest and is expected to resume in Hong Kong next month before travelling to Sydney for the spring.