Joe Pride, trainer of Ceolwulf, believes the opportune moment has arrived for the four-time Group One winner to re-establish his best form this preparation, after his autumn campaign was cut short.
The star miler, who was spelled after only two starts last campaign due to a combination of foot problems and a minor bleed, is set to resume this Saturday in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
Pride is not expecting a victory upon his return but is anticipating a strong effort from the gelding as he targets his primary goal: 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.”
The only instance Ceolwulf has finished in the placings first-up was on debut. Last year, however, he was competitive in the Winx Stakes (1400m), closing late to finish fourth behind Via Sistina.
Facing a deep field on Saturday, Pride will be content to see him finishing with purpose. Any softening of the track from its current soft 7 rating would also be a significant advantage 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.”
Regular jockey Chad Schofield will partner Ceolwulf, who was a $34 outsider on Thursday, with the markets heavily favouring the outstanding mares Autumn Glow ($1.85 favourite) and Sheza Alibi ($3.10).
Sheza Alibi was initially expected to commence her campaign in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next week, but her connections decided to switch their focus and enter her for the Sydney race.
Co-trainer Katherine Coleman indicated that the Doncaster Mile winner is on track for Randwick, with her training partner Peter Moody preparing to travel with the Victorian mare on Thursday night.
“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.”
Betting markets are now open at betting markets for the race.
