There is never an easy Group 1 during Melbourne Cup week, but Sydney trainer Joe Pride is hopeful he has landed on the more suitable option for Ceolwulf on the final day at Flemington.
Pride had the choice of staying at 1600m in the Champions Mile or rising to 2000m in the Champions Stakes.
Ceolwulf will remain at the mile on Saturday, where he will clash with Mr Brightside, Pericles, Pride Of Jenni and Treasurethe Moment, avoiding a showdown with Via Sistina in the 2000m feature.
The gelding is already a three-time Group 1 winner at the trip, most recently claiming the King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on October 18.
That triumph was his second win in the King Charles III and his first since taking out the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in April.
Pride is confident Ceolwulf has the momentum and has again engaged regular rider Chad Schofield.
“He is always confident,” Pride said.
“Horses that need confidence are ones coming off setbacks. He doesn’t. He’s an arrogant horse. He never lost belief.”
Saturday will be the gelding’s first time racing left-handed after all 24 of his previous starts were in Sydney.
“I can’t believe he hasn’t travelled before,” Pride said.
“It’ll be great for him to have that experience. I’m looking forward to it.”
Rain may play a role with 10 to 30mm forecast for Saturday and further falls possible Friday night.
In a wide-open market, Mr Brightside is the $4 favourite, ahead of Pride Of Jenni ($4.20), with Ceolwulf next at $6.