It’s a rare occasion for a jockey to feel satisfied after a defeat on a prominent horse, but Chad Schofield experienced just that when Ceolwulf finished second to Lindermann in the Chelmsford Stakes.
After a forgettable autumn season where the gelding’s campaign was cut short by foot issues and a minor bleed, Schofield was thrilled with Ceolwulf’s effort to surge home from the back on the final turn in a race dominated by the leader.
This performance followed a fifth-place debut behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m), but it was Ceolwulf’s run in the Chelmsford Stakes that confirmed to Schofield the horse was back to his best.
“He got beaten, but I left the races very happy because I feel like Joe (Pride) has got him right where he wants him and he’s tracking very well for the races later on,” Schofield said.
“He didn’t come up last ‘prep’, but that’s probably why I left the races so happy. He felt as good as he has ever felt. For me, that was the main thing.
“We know he’s a horse that comes good for his grand finals and at the end of his prep and that seems to be the case again.”
Ceolwulf is slated to compete in his third race of the current preparation this Saturday in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, where he will once again face Autumn Glow.
From the trainer’s standpoint, Pride is not convinced the race will provide the backmarker with an ideal setup, particularly from barrier seven, but he is confident of another strong showing.
“I don’t know if we’re guaranteed any more tempo here again, but it would be nice,” Pride remarked.
“The horse is ready though. He’s had his two runs back now, so he’s getting into that zone where he starts to do his best.”
Having won the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) for the past two years, Ceolwulf’s bid for a third consecutive win has not yet been finalised by Pride.
While he has no doubt the conditions of the feature race suit his charge, he is aware that it is a carnival target for Autumn Glow and if she continues on that path, it may prompt Pride to consider other options.
“I haven’t one hundred per cent decided whether we’re going King Charles or Cox Plate. Saturday will probably help mould that decision and send us the right way,” Pride stated.
“He’s got four group ones at 1600 metres, so I’d be pretty brave saying he’s better at 2000 metres, but that doesn’t mean he can’t win a good Group One over 2000.
“I’m thinking about his opposition more than about him in that regard.”
Stablemates Headley Grange and Private Eye have both been entered for the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), a race that serves as a stepping stone to bigger targets deeper into their respective campaigns.
“It’s really just a pathway race for them,” Pride explained.
“Private Eye needs to get his confidence back. Headley Grange, he doesn’t lack confidence, but he might run there because we’re going to eventually go to the Alan Brown (Stakes).”
Both will be partnered by their usual riders, Adam Hyeronimus on Headley Grange and Nash Rawiller aboard Private Eye. The 7 Stakes looks like a great option for those looking at racing odds.
