The $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick will be a defining race for Ceolwulf as he looks to prove his staying credentials over 2000m against some of the nation’s best horses.

He joins a high-class field that includes Cox Plate hero Via Sistina, globetrotters Dubai Honour and Rousham Park, Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man, and the Melbourne Cup hopeful Vauban.

Ceolwulf swept the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes last spring, but his autumn prep was derailed after missing the Verry Elleegant Stakes.

He returned with two underwhelming efforts before narrowly winning the Neville Sellwood Stakes. Though the win wasn’t emphatic, his trainer Joe Pride insists it was a key step forward.

“There has been a lot said about his run,” Pride said.

“There are a few things, and it normally is a combination of things, there’s not normally one answer to any question in racing.

“We got a heavy track, we had him going up 500 metres, we had a very slowly run race and a big weight. It wasn’t one of his best performances, I get that.

“But I also think it was the run he needed at 2000 metres to bring him right on and that’s what it looks like it has done. He will be here on Saturday and he’ll run really well.”

In the spring, Ceolwulf produced a similar pattern—winning at 1500m before a close second in the Kingston Town Stakes over 2000m, followed by two elite-level wins.

Pride admits the horse still has something to prove over the longer trip, but believes he’s right where he needs to be.

“We will find that out on Saturday,” he said.

“It was just like a launching pad for him, that run at 2000 metres (in the spring), and I think this will be the same.

“The difference between a 1000-metre horse and 1200-metre horse is massive. There are horses that run great over 1000 and can’t run 1200 metres down a well.

“But a mile to 2000 metres is not that same kind of hurdle.”

Ceolwulf has drawn widest in the 15-horse field, while top elect Via Sistina landed the coveted inside draw.