This Saturday’s $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be a true test for Ceolwulf, as the dual Group One-winning miler aims to prove himself over a longer trip against elite company.
The field is stacked with talent, including Cox Plate champion Via Sistina, international stars Dubai Honour and Rousham Park, Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man, and leading Melbourne Cup contender Vauban.
Ceolwulf captured attention in the spring by winning the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes at a mile. However, his autumn preparation was delayed after he missed a start in the Verry Elleegant Stakes.
That disruption forced him into two races at unsuitable trips before his grinding win in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m), which left many questioning his current form.
Trainer Joe Pride acknowledged the criticism but believes the run served an important purpose.
“There has been a lot said about his run,” Pride said.
“There are a few things, and it normally is a combination of things, there’s not normally one answer to any question in racing.
“We got a heavy track, we had him going up 500 metres, we had a very slowly run race and a big weight. It wasn’t one of his best performances, I get that.
“But I also think it was the run he needed at 2000 metres to bring him right on and that’s what it looks like it has done. He will be here on Saturday and he’ll run really well.”
Pride referenced Ceolwulf’s spring path, where he followed a win over 1500m with a narrow second over 2000m in the Kingston Town Stakes before going on to back-to-back Group 1 wins.
Although 2000 metres remains a distance Ceolwulf is still learning to master at the top level, Pride remains optimistic.
“We will find that out on Saturday,” he said.
“It was just like a launching pad for him, that run at 2000 metres (in the spring), and I think this will be the same.
“The difference between a 1000-metre horse and 1200-metre horse is massive. There are horses that run great over 1000 and can’t run 1200 metres down a well.
“But a mile to 2000 metres is not that same kind of hurdle.”
Ceolwulf has drawn the outside barrier (15 of 15) for the Queen Elizabeth, while race favourite Via Sistina will jump from gate one.