The Spring Carnival momentum gathered pace at Warwick Farm on Friday, with Group 1 star Ceolwulf making his final public trial appearance ahead of a highly anticipated return in the Winx Stakes.
Trainer Joe Pride kept things conservative in Ceolwulf’s previous trial at Warwick Farm last month, allowing the gelding to coast home at the rear of the field in a quiet 900m heat. But ahead of Friday’s session, Pride noted that Ceolwulf would be asked for a bit more effort this time under regular jockey Chad Schofield.
“Last prep I let him do a little too much in his trials and it might’ve impacted his racing,” Pride said. “So I held him back deliberately last time. This time around, I was happy for him to stretch out a bit more.”
Pride confirmed that the Winx Stakes would be Ceolwulf’s definite first-up target. “That’s locked in,” he stated confidently.
In his final tune-up, Ceolwulf travelled comfortably and closed strongly to finish second—just half a length behind stablemate Private Eye, who trialled instead of racing in the Group 2 Missile Stakes at Randwick, where he was the early favourite.
Ceolwulf’s previous campaign had its ups and downs, but he’d stamped his class the season prior with memorable wins in both the Epsom Handicap and the King Charles III Stakes. With more maturity and a solid foundation, Pride is optimistic that Ceolwulf can return to his best form.
The $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) is the first Group 1 event of Sydney’s spring calendar, set for August 23 at Randwick, and is expected to draw an elite lineup.
Chris Waller has confirmed the return of Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, and Aeliana for the race, while Ciaron Maher will be represented by strong contenders including Another Wil, Gringotts, and Light Infantry Man.
Also at Warwick Farm on Friday, Maher’s new recruit Willydoit, a New Zealand Derby winner, settled back and finished off well in his trial behind Felix Majestic. Buckaroo, a Group 1 winner and Caulfield Cup runner-up, also returned in the same heat, finishing just behind Willydoit.
Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius had his second public hit-out of the prep, closing into third under urging from Tim Clark in a 1200m trial won narrowly by Nkosi from the Bjorn Baker yard.
Punters looking to back key runners like Ceolwulf, Via Sistina or Sir Delius this spring can explore the best offers across Australia’s top betting agencies right here.