Trainer Joe Pride has strategically decided to back up Ceolwulf in the Neville Sellwood Stakes, keeping in mind a larger goal for his talented galloper.
With the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) marked as the primary target, Pride believes Saturday’s Rosehill run is the ideal stepping stone.
“This just looked like the obvious race,” Pride said.
“The Doncaster (Mile) was also on the cards but the only trouble with the Doncaster is it would mean him backing up into the Queen Elizabeth.
“The decision that I’ve had to make is, what race do we think we’re the best chance of winning? And I’ve come up with the Queen Elizabeth. To do that, giving him two weeks into it is the smart play.”
Ceolwulf’s preparation had to be adjusted when he sustained a minor leg injury, preventing him from competing against Via Sistina in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m).
This led to a revised campaign where he resumed over 1300m in the Canterbury Stakes, finishing a respectable fifth. He then produced a fantastic effort last weekend, placing third behind Gringotts and Fangirl in the George Ryder Stakes (1600m).
“Because we missed a run, I was left back tracking a little bit and having to give him a (Canterbury Stakes) run that didn’t really matter, but that he had to have,” Pride said.
“After last Saturday, I think the horse is very much back on track.”
Pride will also field a strong team in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m), with Coal Crusher, Mazu, and Dragonstone all lining up.
Each of the trio has proven their class in top-level sprint races, but after electing to scratch Mazu from The Galaxy last week, Pride is leaning towards him as the leading contender.
“I would think it is Mazu’s best opportunity this preparation,” Pride said.
“Coal Crusher is probably still a run away.
“You could say Dragonstone was disappointing last week (in The Galaxy) but he drew a bad barrier on a hard track. He’s got a soft draw this week, probably a wet track and he is a good back-up horse.”