Joe Pride is almost certain to present two runners in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, with anticipated intermittent rain over the next seven days encouraging him to consider starting his star galloper Ceolwulf. The feature Randwick mile has been a long-range campaign objective for stablemate Attica, while Pride has kept his options open with Ceolwulf, whose primary target is the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) on October 17.
Ceolwulf captured the Epsom two years ago on his way to claiming his inaugural win in the King Charles. He then followed the same route 12 months ago when he finished sixth in the Epsom before claiming back-to-back editions of the Everest Day contest.
“I reckon we’ll have two runners, Attica and Ceolwulf. I’m confident now with the rain around and a bit more at the end of the week,” Pride said.
“I was happy to go straight to the King Charles if I needed to, but I’m also happy to give him the ‘prep’ I’ve given him for the last two years to get to the King Charles, which is running in the Epsom. I think we’re going to get the opportunity to do that. I haven’t locked it in yet, but I’d suggest we will.”
Ceolwulf carries 59kg in the Epsom, and no horse has shouldered the same or more weight to victory since Super Impose was successful with 61kg in 1991. Pride is well aware Ceolwulf faces a herculean task and is hoping the gelding can secure a reasonable gate at Tuesday’s barrier draw to soften the challenge.
A rain-affected track on Saturday will also be key, and wet weather is forecast for the back-end of the week. “You don’t want to draw outside fifteen because he’d be going right back and giving away a ridiculous start,” Pride stated. “Between five and ten, you’re probably two or three lengths closer. It’s a race we’ve used successfully. He won it two years ago, but he won it with about 54 kilos so winning it with 59, it’s not beyond him because he’s such a good horse, but it would want to be a bit of a wet track.”
Ceolwulf is currently a $15 chance in pre-post markets, which are jointly headed by the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy and unbeaten New Zealander Well Written, both at $3.50. Attica is being kept safe as a $6 chance.
For those interested in the Epsom Handicap, the racing betting markets are now open at betting sites.