Racing
Waller pair get Flemington tune-up
Wodeton and Angel Capital will represent Chris Waller in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
It may have only been a jump-out, but trainer Chris Waller was buoyed by the victory of Wodeton against Newmarket Handicap rivals at Flemington.
Wodeton and stablemate Angel Capital, also a contender in Saturday's Group 1 sprint over 1200m at Flemington on Saturday, had a jump-out on Friday morning with Wodeton narrowly leading home his rivals.
It is not usually Waller's style to be winning trials or jump-outs, but the trainer said it would be a confidence booster for Wodeton who needs a Group 1 victory to bolster his CV.
"I don't like winning jump-outs, but he needs a bit of confidence.," Waller said.
"He's just been running into a couple that are better in races that haven't been run to suit, but it was a good confidence booster.
"He's a colt bred to be a stallion, but he's run second, narrowly, in the Golden Slipper and ran second in the Golden Rose and he just needs to tick that Group 1 box.
"Down the straight also opens up options of going overseas if you manage to win the Newmarket."
A son of Wootton Bassett, who died last year, Wodeton is seen as a replacement for his sire if he can land a Group 1.
Waller said Wodeton was likely to be retired at the end of the current racing season to stand at stud.
"He's a son of Wootton Bassett and we've lost him unfortunately and it's important he steps up and that's the challenge," Waller said.
"Heading overseas is part of that challenge, especially if he's going to be retired at the end of his three-year-old year.
"We all love winning races in Australia, but if you can do that and then head over to Ascot, it makes the big difference."
Like Wodeton, Angel Capital is searching for his maiden Group 1 victory.
In contrast to Wodeton, Angel Capital was under a stranglehold at the tail of the field.
"We just wanted him to get a good look at the track, have a nice easy time and keep him well contained," Waller said.
"His first-up run in Sydney was very good and he's come through it well and hopefully the straight 1200 metres will really suit him.
"Being a Group 1 race, it will tick the box that needs to be ticked.
"Everyone knows he has the ability, but he's got to win that Group 1 race, and it also opens up so many options if he's performing well up the straight."
Waller said the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on March 21 was likely for both gallopers.
"Angel Capital loves Caulfield," Waller said.
"It's a two-week break, so it would be there or we could get them back up to Sydney for the T J Smith, but we have a leaning towards the William Reid."
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