Star galloper Ceolwulf to miss Warwick Farm trials

Multiple Group 1 winner Ceolwulf will be forced to skip Thursday’s Warwick Farm trials after a minor mishap in his box.

Trainer Joe Pride confirmed the gelding suffered a graze after becoming cast, leading to the decision to withdraw him from his planned 900-metre hit-out.

While disappointing, Pride said the issue was minor and would not impact Ceolwulf’s preparation for the Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick next month.

“He must have gotten cast. He just has a graze, but I’ll scratch him from the trial tomorrow,” Pride said.

“He’ll be fine. As long as I can get it right pretty quickly, we’ll get to our first-up run.”

Ceolwulf concluded his spring campaign in superb fashion with wins in the King Charles III Stakes and the Champions Mile, establishing himself as a major autumn player.

Pride admitted he was disappointed the gelding would not get the chance to renew his rivalry with Via Sistina following her retirement.

“It’s sad he doesn’t get a chance to compete against her again because he should have beaten her first-up last time (in the Winx Stakes) when Chad (Schofield), by his own admission, put in a bad ride,” Pride said.

“There looks like a bit of a changing of the guard in the weight-for-age races, so I’m hoping there is a little lull there and a moment for him to really shine.”

Also stepping out at the Warwick Farm trials will be Spring Champion Stakes winner Attica, who is being prepared for a return in the Hobartville Stakes.

Pride said the colt would have one more trial before resuming to ensure he is fully primed for Group 1 racing.

“Each trial, we will be asking him for a little bit more,” he said.

“He needs to be primed to run well first-up because second-up is a very important run, the Randwick Guineas.”

Thursday’s trials also feature several high-profile contenders including Angel Capital, Joliestar, Stefi Magnetica, River Of Stars and Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy.