Timing right for Ceolwulf to spring back into form
After being forced to cut short the autumn campaign of Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock), Joe Pride has one very good reason to believe the four-time Group One winner can return to his best this preparation.
Spelled after just two runs last time in due to a combination of feet issues and a minor bleed, the star miler will resume in Saturday's Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
Pride isn't expecting a winning return, but he is anticipating a bold run as the gelding heads towards his major goal of a third successive win in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m).
"He needed a good rest, and he's now had that rest," Pride said.
"We'll see a better version of him this spring, and it has always been a good time of year for him.
"He's won his four Group Ones all in the spring, and I don't think it's coincidental."
The only time Ceolwulf has featured in the placings first-up was on debut, but he was competitive in the Winx Stakes (1400m) last year, closing late to finish fourth to Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock).
Against a deep field on Saturday, Pride will be content to see him hitting the line with gusto, although any downgrade of the track from its current soft 7 rating will be in the horse's favour.
"I think it's going to come down to track conditions on the day. If it ends up being a bit wet and a few of the key chances come out, he could end up being a top three chance," Pride said.
"But I've certainly learned not to expect too much of him early in his preparations.
"He's never won first-up. He's run some nice races, but that's all I need to see from him, a nice return, and he'll build into the preparation as he always does."
Regular rider Chad Schofield will partner Ceolwulf, who was a $34 chance on Thursday with markets dominated by outstanding mares Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) ($1.85 fav) and Sheza Alibi (Sax0n Warriror) ($3.10).
