Angel Capital could be vulnerable in Spirit Of Boom

By Glenn Davis   

Trainer Clinton McDonald concedes star colt Angel Capital could be vulnerable when the Victorian youngster makes his 2024 Queensland Racing Carnival debut in the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic at Doomben on Saturday.

Angel Capital drew barrier 11 and is one of the main fancies in early markets for the 1200 metre feature which will be a stepping stone to the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and Group 1 J.J. Atkins at Eagle Farm next month.

“He’s here to run in three races so long as we’re happy with him,” McDonald said.

“It’s still his first preparation so we’ll take it race-by-race.

“He’s capable of doing it so that’s the way we’re heading.”

Angel Capital - a Jamie Kah mount - arrived in Queensland last week for his winter assignments following his explosive win in a 1000 metre maiden at Cranbourne on April 26.

McDonald rates Angel Capital as potentially the best horse he’s trained and is using the winter as part of his development for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas during the Melbourne spring carnival.

“He’ll run very well,” McDonald said.

“He’s a very good horse and has shown us plenty of ability at home.

“We’re expecting a forward showing from him and he’s settled in well after flying up a week ago.

“He galloped terrific at Doomben on Tuesday and I couldn’t be happier with him.”

McDonald has no doubt Angel Capital is a 1600 metre horse and concedes the Spirit Of Boom Classic won’t be easy.

“This could be a vulnerable race for him over 1200 metres around Doomben but he’s a pretty good horse and we’re happy with him,” he said.

“Whatever he does Saturday he’ll improve again.”

Angel Capital was a $400,000 buy as a yearling and is a half-brother to Victorian Group 2 winner Berkeley Square and Senor Toba, a Group 3 winner in Australia and Hong Kong.

A son of Harry Angel, Angel Capital is owned by Upper Bloodstock and no offers have been received to buy him.

“He’s not for sale anyway,” McDonald said.

Angel Capital faces some stiff opposition in the Spirit Of Boom.

Ciaron Maher is chasing his second win in the Spirit Of Boom after Dubious was successful in 2018 when it was previously known as the Champagne Classic.