EARLIER in the day, the Patrick Payne-trained Angelology, last season’s Australian Steeple winner, franked his credentials for Warrnambool’s May carnival with an authoritative win in the $100,000 Harry D Young Hurdle over 3,600 metres.

“He’s improved 10 lengths since last season,” said jockey Steven Pateman. He was bolting down the hill, he was brilliant.”

Winning by six lengths, Angelology defeated Now And Zen, ridden by Johnny Allen, who rode the winner of the hurdle on Saturday, with Tremec in third place.

“He’s a pretty smart horse,” said Payne of the New Zealand-bred Coats Choice gelding. “At this stage we’re going to head to the Galleywood (Hurdle) at Warrnambool and then the Australian Steeplechase late in the season will be a nice race for him.”

The win also brought up a double at the carnival for Payne as a trainer having won Saturday’s $100,000 Von Doussa Steeplechase over 3,250 metres with Zed Em who had Irishman Richard Cully in the saddle. A novice steeplechaser last season, Zed Em will be set for Warrnambool’s Brierly Steeple next month.