Jye Mcneil has landed the prized ride on Angel Capital in the final Group 1 race of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival at Caulfield.
McNeil headed to Caulfield on Tuesday morning to put Angel Capital through his paces ahead of the William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
The William Reid Stakes is traditionally run at Moonee Valley, but with that course undergoing reconstruction, Caulfield will host Saturday’s meeting.
McNeil has picked up some handy rides in recent weeks from Chris Waller and with regular jockey Ben Melham in Sydney chasing a second Golden Slipper success, this time on Streisand, he has found himself aboard the second favourite in early William Reid betting.
Angel Capital is a $6 chance ahead of Wednesday’s final field with Jimmysstar the $1.90 top elect.
McNeil said it was his first time aboard Angel Capital, and he was impressed with the manner in which the horse worked without a partner.
“He can look a bit tricky in his races, but this morning he was beautiful and relaxed and worked nicely,” McNeil said.
“He’s a nice horse and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity.
“He does like Caulfield and hopefully he can put his best foot forward on Saturday.”
McNeil said he had watched Angel Capital’s replays and hopes to talk with Melham in coming days about the four-year-old.
Melham won three races aboard Angel Capital as a three-year-old when prepared by Clinton McDonald before he was transferred to Chris Waller and has been back aboard in three of the entire’s last four starts.
“Watching the replays, it looks like he can get a little bit strong, that’s what I mean by a bit tricky, but this morning he never gave me that feel at all,” McNeil said.
“The 1200 (metres) out of the chute at Caulfield, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“I’ll speak to Ben, potentially. He’s been on him a bit and between now and Saturday I’ll hopefully have a chat to him and see what he thinks.
“It’s a good race, with the good horses there, but on his day, he’s more than capable.”
Angel Capital has two wins and a second from five starts at Caulfield but is yet to race over 1200m at the track.
At his most recent outing, Angel Capital finished third in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 7.