The $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a crucial race for Ceolwulf as the dual Group One-winning miler looks to prove himself over a middle distance.

He will face a top field, including Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, international contenders Dubai Honour and Rousham Park, Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man, and Melbourne Cup hopeful Vauban.

Although he won the Epsom Handicap-King Charles III Stakes double last spring, Ceolwulf’s autumn campaign was disrupted by a missed run in the Verry Elleegant Stakes. He struggled in two subsequent starts, including a narrow win in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m).

Trainer Joe Pride acknowledges the performance wasn’t flawless, but believes it was the right kind of run for Ceolwulf to prepare for this challenge.

“There has been a lot said about his run,” Pride said. “But I think it was the run he needed at 2000 metres to bring him right on.”

Pride is confident Ceolwulf will perform well, having had a similar prep earlier in the season before going on to win major races.

The race will test whether Ceolwulf can match his mile-winning form at the 2000m distance.

“We will find that out on Saturday,” said Pride, with Ceolwulf drawn in the outside gate of a 15-horse field, while Via Sistina drew gate one.