History repeats for Angel Capital
Twelve months after claiming the McKenzie Stakes on this day in 2024, Angel Capital made a devastating return to The Valley, belting his rivals in the Listed 1200m Chautauqua Stakes.
The entire settled at the tail of the small field, but cruised into the race under Damian Lane as they headed to the home bend before putting his rivals to the sword. Frankly, he treated them with contempt.
Not only was the win visually impressive, but he posted good time (1.09.86) and clocked a slick 22.78 secs for his last 400m.
Chautauqua Stakes | Angel Capital
Angel Capital makes a statement ⭐️ He emulates Chautauqua, coming from near last to tear away against a quality field of sprinters 😱
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/OxKEZJ0FqW— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2025
It was Angel Capital’s first run for trainer Chris Waller, having been formerly trained by Clint McDonald. Given he hadn’t raced since early February, he should be open to significant improvement as the spring unfolds. After Saturday’s brilliant win, one would imagine Chris Waller and Yulong will set the bar pretty high with this entire.
Chelmsford Chaos: Lindermann Clings On, Ceolwulf Flops
It was heart-in-mouth stuff over the last 100m as Lindermann clung on to deny the fast-finishing Sir Delius in the Chelmsford Stakes, but the talking point was Ceolwolf, who flopped as a short-priced favourite.
Despite drifting from $3.40 out to $5.50 late, Sir Delius was outstanding dropping back under 2000m for the first time. The $8 Melbourne Cup favourite looks in for a lovely preparation.
Lindermann as gutsy as ever to win the Chelmsford 💪
Sir Delius and Vauban 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/jouO5hGOVL
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 6, 2025
The big talking point though was a flat run from Ceolwulf. Despite drawing a positive gate he again found himself buried at the tail, and his lack of tactical versatility is quickly becoming his kryptonite. At $2.00 into $1.70, punters expected better – but the jury is well and truly out on him now, especially at those short odds.
In behind that, the dual Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban was a pass mark first up, with the majority of these gallopers looking for 2000m and beyond.
Jamie Melham: “He’s a weapon”
Clint McDonald celebrated back-to-back McKenzie Stakes victories after Rosberg, the much-hyped debutant, delivered in style. Despite striking traffic in the run, the son of Deep Field powered clear late to win with something up his sleeve.
Jockey Jamie Melham wasted no time summing up the performance: “He’s a weapon!”
McKenzie Stakes | Rosberg
The hype is real! 💫 Rosberg wins in scintillating style on debut in the McKenzie Stakes. @cmcdonaldracing has another star colt on his hands 🙌
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/Y1T7ylHtr0— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2025
Earlier, McDonald had to settle for a bittersweet moment when Angel Capital – last year’s McKenzie Stakes winner for his stable – crushed rivals in the Chautauqua Stakes under new trainer Chris Waller, just 40 minutes before Rosberg’s debut.
Any disappointment, though, was quickly swept aside. To win a Stakes race on debut is a rare feat, and Rosberg’s performance suggested there’s far more to come. The sky looks the limit for this exciting colt.
Moody-Coleman land Valley double
Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman enjoyed a memorable afternoon at The Valley, striking twice in quick succession with Alpha Sofie and seasoned campaigner Desert Lightning.
A new acquisition to the stable, Alpha Sofie brought her good winter Queensland form to The Valley, taking out the Atlantic Jewel Stakes with plenty left in the locker. She settled in behind the speed, travelled sweetly throughout, and once the gap came she quickly put the race to bed.
Atlantic Jewel Stakes | Alpha Sofie
Alpha Sofie’s first start for @moodyracingpgm is a winning one ✨ @lil_spaino96 gave the filly a spectacular ride to win the Atlantic Jewel Stakes 👏
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/W26qaHcKV1— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2025
Desert Lightning then made it back-to-back for the stable, fending off Moira to secure the So You Think Stakes. Originally based in New Zealand before relocating for the 2024 All-Star Mile, the gelding delivered his second Australian win as a heavily-backed $2.30 favourite.
For champion hoop Luke Nolen it was his first win since the 2024 Melbourne Cup Week, having battled injury following a fall at Geelong in December 2024.
Atlantic Jewel Stakes | Alpha Sofie
Alpha Sofie’s first start for @moodyracingpgm is a winning one ✨ @lil_spaino96 gave the filly a spectacular ride to win the Atlantic Jewel Stakes 👏
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/W26qaHcKV1— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2025
Baraqiel makes Everest bid in claiming the Moir
The Leon Corstens and Will Larkin-trained Baraqiel climbed racing’s summit on Saturday night, storming home to claim the Group 1 Moir Stakes in dazzling fashion.
The lightly-raced seven-year-old has had a career littered with setbacks. Tendon issues delayed his debut until late in his five-year-old season, while earlier this prep he was a late scratching on vet’s advice due to concerns over his action, but when things finally clicked at The Valley, he showed his true class.
Ridden patiently by Ben Allen, Baraqiel burst through a late split to divebomb Alabama Lass and Arabian Summer, snatching a thrilling victory. It was the win of a horse that looks primed for the 1200m Manikato Stakes later this spring.
Moir Stakes | Baraqiel
Baraqiel makes The Valley his own, winning the Moir & retaining his record here. @bennallen44 stands high in the irons as he crosses the line in a fairy tale finish ✨
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/AoqcG9ZuYt— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2025
The gelding races for Bennett Racing, with a large ownership group soaking up The Valley roar as their pride and joy returned to scale.
Post-race, syndicator Nathan Bennett put the call out to Everest slot holders, arguing it’s time for the “little guys” to be given a chance.
“Gee, there’d have to be a few Sydney phone calls, surely, ” said Bennett. “None of us have got the money to own a share in the big race that’s a Group 1 now, but it’s time to let the young fellas and the small people in. It can’t just always be studs’ horses running in these races, give everyday people a go in them and I think they’ve got a chance of winning.”
The Mitch Freedman-trained Skybird was a hard luck story in behind the winner. She travelled like a horse that was set to figure in the finish, but she never, ever got a crack at them.
Meanwhile, 3YO filly Esha showed good speed early but couldn’t withstand the pressure over the concluding stages, fading to finish eighth.
