Ceolwulf had to dig deep to secure his first victory of the autumn carnival, narrowly prevailing in the Neville Sellwood Stakes at Rosehill.
After claiming last spring’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes, Ceolwulf is now targeting the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick next Saturday. The 2000m Group 2 contest on heavy ground served as his final lead-up race for that major event.
Starting as the online bookmakers $1.50 favourite, Ceolwulf was ridden positively by jockey Chad Schofield, settling just off the pace after an early push forward.
Despite Just Fine’s resilience in the home straight, Ceolwulf timed his run perfectly to snatch victory by a nose, with Our Gold Hope finishing another nose behind in third place.
Trainer Joe Pride was eager to hear Schofield’s assessment but emphasized that the main priority was ensuring Ceolwulf had a solid workout over 2000m ahead of his grand final.
“It wasn’t really about the result today,” Pride said.
“It’s easy to say after the race, but what mattered was the performance.
“He loomed as if he’d win by a couple of lengths, but that didn’t happen. I’m keen to hear Chad’s thoughts because he understands this horse well.
“This was only his second run on a heavy track, and although he handled it well in the Derby as a younger horse, maybe he now prefers firmer ground.”
Pride also pointed out that Ceolwulf was carrying 59.5kg on testing conditions and stepping up from 1500m, where he had narrowly been beaten in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes.
“That’s why I wanted to run him over 2000m today because my belief is that most horses, including him, improve in their second run at the distance,” Pride said.
“And he will need to improve. He must be much better next week.”
Pride intends to give Ceolwulf a couple of strong gallops leading into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Following Tuesday’s race, Ceolwulf was the $6 second favorite with betting sites for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, behind superstar mare Via Sistina, who was the $1.70 favorite.
Schofield described Ceolwulf’s victory as “tradesman-like” and noted that he had to make an early move from an awkward draw.
“We were giving weight to some quality horses, and I thought the only way we’d be beaten was if we gave him too much to do,” Schofield said.
“He jumped well, so I let him stride forward. We secured a good position and relaxed in the one-one. He got out in time and did what was needed to win.”
Schofield firmly believes that Ceolwulf is now more effective on firmer tracks than the Heavy (8) conditions he encountered on Tuesday.
“I know he finished second in a Derby on a very wet track, but he’s definitely more explosive on top of the ground,” he said.
