Trainer Joe Pride maintained a composed demeanor despite his disappointment over Ceolwulf being unable to compete in the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

A key contender in the weight-for-age ranks this autumn, Ceolwulf is already a dual Group 1 winner and a runner-up in the 2024 Australian Derby. Pride had planned for the four-year-old to face Via Sistina and Fangirl over the mile, using the race as a stepping stone toward other Sydney Autumn Carnival targets.

“We had every intention of running him in a Group 1, and it’s frustrating to have to miss it,” Pride said.

“It was a tough call on Friday, but by Saturday morning, I just wasn’t satisfied that he was 100% fit to run.”

The issue was an abrasion on his off-hind cannon, sustained after Friday morning’s trackwork.

“It wasn’t a major problem, but it wasn’t worth the risk,” Pride added.

Ceolwulf is now set to contest the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick this Saturday, before tackling the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 22, where he will again meet Fangirl.

“Our primary focus remains the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, but we may now also consider the Doncaster Mile to ensure he gets enough racing before then,” Pride explained.

“Initially, he was less than a 50% chance to run in the Doncaster, but now he has a much greater likelihood of going there as part of his campaign.”

Though missing Randwick was a setback, Pride concealed his frustration as best he could.

“Of course, I’m disappointed,” he admitted.

“But I’ve had a little more time to process it.”