Trainer Joe Pride has a strong belief that Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One victor, can recapture his peak form this preparation, following an early end to his autumn campaign.
The talented miler, whose previous campaign was curtailed after only two starts due to foot issues and a minor bleed, has been sent for a spell. He is set to resume racing this Saturday in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
While Pride is not anticipating a victory on resumption, he is hopeful of a competitive performance as the gelding targets his primary objective: a third consecutive win in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m).
“He needed a good rest, and he’s now had that rest,” Pride stated.
“We’ll see a better version of him this spring, and it has always been a good time of year for him. He’s won his four Group Ones all in the spring, and I don’t think it’s coincidental.”
Ceolwulf’s only first-up placing occurred on his debut. Last year, however, he demonstrated his capability in the Winx Stakes (1400m), finishing fourth to Via Sistina after a late surge.
In what is expected to be a strong field on Saturday, Pride would be satisfied with a strong finish from his charge. Furthermore, any softening of the track from its current soft 7 rating would be advantageous for the horse.
“I think it’s going to come down to track conditions on the day. If it ends up being a bit wet and a few of the key chances come out, he could end up being a top three chance,” Pride commented.
“But I’ve certainly learned not to expect too much of him early in his preparations. He’s never won first-up. He’s run some nice races, but that’s all I need to see from him, a nice return, and he’ll build into the preparation as he always does.”
His regular jockey, Chad Schofield, will be aboard Ceolwulf, who was priced at $34 on Thursday. The market is currently dominated by the highly-rated mares Autumn Glow ($1.85 favourite) and Sheza Alibi ($3.10).
Sheza Alibi was initially slated to commence her campaign in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next week. However, her connections opted to redirect her towards the Sydney race.
Co-trainer Katherine Coleman indicated that the Doncaster Mile winner is on track for Randwick, with her training partner Peter Moody set to travel with the Victorian mare on Thursday evening.
“Pete and her strapper Mitch are heading up with her tonight (Thursday)…and hopefully they can get the job done,” Coleman told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“She’s by no means screwed down going into Saturday. We’ve been pretty vocal the grand final this time around is the Golden Eagle, so there is plenty of water to go under the bridge before we get there and that’s when we want to be peaking.
“Definitely plenty of improvement to come out of having the trip away and the run on Saturday, but she goes there in really good order.”
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