G1 Doncaster Mile start probable for Ceolwulf

Trainer Joe Pride remained composed despite his frustration at Ceolwulf missing the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

Already a two-time Group 1 winner and runner-up in the 2024 Australian Derby, the four-year-old was primed for another showdown with Via Sistina and Fangirl over the mile distance.

“It was disappointing to scratch him,” Pride admitted.

“When you’ve got a horse ready to compete at the top level, you want them to race, but it came down to a 50-50 decision on Friday. By race morning, I just wasn’t satisfied he was 100%.”

The cause for concern was a superficial wound on his off-hind cannon, sustained after trackwork on Friday.

“It wasn’t a major issue, but not something we wanted to take a risk on,” Pride explained.

Ceolwulf will now shift his focus to the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick this Saturday, with the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 22 also on the agenda, setting up another potential clash with Fangirl.

“Our main target remains the Queen Elizabeth, but now the Doncaster Mile could be part of his path to that race.

“Before, the Doncaster was a long shot for him, but now it looks like a real possibility.”

Although Pride tried to take the setback in stride, he acknowledged the frustration of missing a major race.

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

“But I’ve had a bit of time to move on from it.”