Pride excited ahead of Ceolwulf’s return in G2 Apollo Stakes

Via Sistina and Ceolwulf are set to face off for just the second time in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick, a race that could spark a thrilling rivalry throughout the carnival.

Both recognized as elite middle-distance runners, they may find the 1400-metre trip of Saturday’s race shorter than ideal. However, their sheer class has placed them at the top of betting markets.

Following this clash, the two stars are likely to meet again in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), with possible rematches in either the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) or Ranvet Stakes (2000m). Their ultimate target will be the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

Their impending battles could echo the famous rivalry between former sprinters Nature Strip, trained by Via Sistina’s handler Chris Waller, and Eduardo, who was under the care of Ceolwulf’s trainer Joe Pride.

“Certainly, for this autumn, it looks a good match-up,” Pride said.

“And I keep hearing about these other horses (Via Sistina’s owners) Yulong have purchased, the Japanese are bringing some over, and Dubai Honour is coming back. Let’s not forget there are a lot of other horses out there as well. But if you just focus on those two, it looks a good clash.”

Their only previous encounter was in last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where front-runner Pride Of Jenni set a relentless pace and left them trailing.

At the time, Via Sistina was only having her second Australian start, while Ceolwulf was stepping up to weight-for-age racing following an Australian Derby placing.

Since then, both horses have significantly improved. Pride’s four-year-old returned in the spring as a gelding, securing dominant wins in the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes. Meanwhile, Via Sistina delivered an emphatic victory in the Cox Plate.

Ceolwulf has returned to training 30kg heavier, all muscle, according to Pride. While the trainer acknowledges his charge’s history of needing a few runs to hit peak form, he remains optimistic.

“His first-up record tells me I shouldn’t get excited. Wherever he starts his prep, he is going to be a lot better once he has a few runs,” Pride said.

“As long as he runs well, I’ll be happy.

“It looks a slow-run race but potentially, that doesn’t suit a few main chances in the race. We will see what happens when the gates open. It will be a tactical battle, for sure.”

As of Wednesday, Via Sistina was the $2.10 favorite for the Apollo Stakes, with Ceolwulf at $3.60 and Fangirl at $4.20, according to gambling apps.