Ceolwulf wins narrowly in Neville Sellwood Stakes
Ceolwulf finally broke through for his first win of the autumn carnival, narrowly claiming victory in the Neville Sellwood Stakes at Rosehill after a tense finish.
Last spring’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes winner, Ceolwulf is targeting the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, and Tuesday’s Group 2 2000m contest on rain-affected ground served as his final prep run before the major assignment.
Backed into a $1.50 favourite with the online bookmakers, Ceolwulf took up a handy position early under jockey Chad Schofield, settling just behind the early leaders.
Just Fine showed grit to continue fighting after leading into the straight, but Ceolwulf lunged at the line to win by the barest margin. Our Gold Hope was another nose away in third, making for a thrilling three-way photo.
Trainer Joe Pride quickly sought Schofield’s input after the finish and noted the key was ensuring Ceolwulf had a strong workout over 2000m ahead of his major target next weekend.
“It wasn’t really the result that counted today,” Pride said.
“It’s easy to say after a race, but it was more about the performance.
“He presented like he was going to win by a couple of lengths but he didn’t do that. It will be interesting to get Chad’s thoughts, because I think he’s got a really good understanding of this horse.
“That was only his second go on a heavy track, and while he went really well on it in the Derby when he was younger, maybe he would prefer something a little bit firmer than that now.”
Pride added that Ceolwulf was burdened with 59.5kg on a tough surface and was stepping up significantly from 1500m after a narrow loss in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes.
“And that’s why I wanted to run him over 2000m today because I do believe the majority of my horses, and this horse as well, their second run they have over 2000m they’re going to be better,” Pride said.
“And he needs to be better. He’ll have to be a lot better next week.”
Pride confirmed Ceolwulf would have two solid gallops before lining up in the Queen Elizabeth.
Following the tight win, Ceolwulf moved into second favouritism at $6 for the
More Racing News
All-Star Mile next for Sabaj following blood test setback
Sabaj, under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, faces a puzzling field in the All-Star Mile with Pride Of Jenni taking part.Saturday's All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington is now the primary target for Sabaj, who skipped last week's Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington due to unsatisfactory blood...
Baraqiel to trial blinkers for Newmarket Handicap push
Baraqiel faces an uphill battle with the weights in pursuit of success in one of the nation's premier short-distance contests, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.Post-1973 metric weight implementation, merely three runners have prevailed in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) carrying more than 57.5kg, with the race set for Saturday.In...
Green Spaces earns Rachel King's trust for Randwick Guineas tilt
Returning from a triumphant riding spell in Japan, Rachel King has her eyes set on the Sydney autumn series, with a key engagement aboard the inexperienced three-year-old gelding Green Spaces in the Randwick Guineas.The esteem in which King views the Bjorn Baker stable's charge prompted her to jet in from...
Fortunes due to improve for backmarker Bauhinia
Bauhinia, known for settling towards the rear naturally, has often lacked the rub of the green in her races.Co-trainer Lee Curtis expects the mare to see her luck change for the better over autumn, kicking off in Saturday's Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) at Randwick."Her work has been as good as...
Gibbons lands timely Linebacker mount after Rosehill breakthrough
An ordinary benchmark contest at Rosehill back in July evolved into a career highlight for Dylan Gibbons, setting him up to steer star performer Linebacker in the Group One Canterbury Stakes.The promising jockey, mere months removed from shoulder surgery, had steered Good Banter to victory in that midwinter feature.Post-race, he...
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...