Spring preparations ramped up at Warwick Farm on Friday with Group 1 winner Ceolwulf having his final public hit-out before resuming in the Winx Stakes.
Trainer Joe Pride gave the gelding an easy trial last month but allowed him to stretch out more in Friday’s 1000m heat, finishing a close second behind stablemate Private Eye.
“He’s been great and the Winx Stakes will be his first-up run for sure. It’s locked in,” Pride said.
Ceolwulf claimed the Epsom Handicap – King Charles III Stakes double last spring and is aiming to recapture that form after a solid but mixed autumn campaign.
The $1 million Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) headlines Randwick on August 23 and is shaping up as a strong contest.
Confirmed runners include Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana, Another Wil, Gringotts and Light Infantry Man.
Elsewhere, Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius finished third in his latest 1200m trial.