Group 1 winner Ceolwulf took another key step towards his spring return in the Winx Stakes with a strong trial effort at Warwick Farm on Friday morning.

Trainer Joe Pride kept the talented gelding under wraps in his previous hit-out, but gave him more rein this time with Chad Schofield aboard for a 1000m workout. Ceolwulf finished a close second behind stablemate Private Eye, who skipped the Missile Stakes to trial instead.

“We deliberately held him back last time because I thought I overcooked him in trials previously,” Pride said. “This time, we let him roll a bit more and he’s responded well.”

Pride confirmed Ceolwulf will resume in the Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 23. “That’s his first-up race locked in,” he added.

Last spring, Ceolwulf rocketed to Group 1 success with victories in the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes. His autumn campaign was solid without matching those highs, but Pride is confident the gelding has taken improvement.

Among those likely to meet Ceolwulf in the Winx Stakes are Chris Waller-trained stars Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, and Aeliana, while Ciaron Maher will unleash contenders such as Gringotts, Another Wil and Light Infantry Man.

Maher’s New Zealand import Willydoit and Group 1 placegetter Buckaroo also stepped out on Friday, both showing fitness in separate trials as they build toward longer spring targets like the Caulfield Cup.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Cup top fancy Sir Delius had his second prep trial, closing well to place third behind Bjorn Baker’s Nkosi in a 1200m heat.

Looking to back a winner this spring? Compare the best odds and betting offers across top Aussie bookmakers here.