Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence

Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.

The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance this Saturday in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

Pride is not expecting a win first-up but anticipates a strong showing from the gelding as he progresses towards his main target, the King Charles III Stakes (1600m), where he seeks a third consecutive victory.

"He needed a good rest, and he's now had that rest," Pride commented.

"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 occasion Ceolwulf has placed first-up was on his debut. Last year, he was competitive in the Winx Stakes (1400m), finishing fourth behind Via Sistina after a late run.

Facing a competitive field on Saturday, Pride would be pleased to see him finishing strongly. Improved track conditions, moving away from the current soft 7 rating, would also be a positive factor for Ceolwulf.

"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 explained.

"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."

Chad Schofield, his usual rider, will be on board Ceolwulf, who was quoted at $34 on Thursday. The betting is dominated by Autumn Glow ($1.85 favourite) and Sheza Alibi ($3.10).

Connections of Sheza Alibi had initially planned for her to resume in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next week, but they later decided to enter her for the Sydney race.

Co-trainer Katherine Coleman stated that the Doncaster Mile victor is on schedule for Randwick, with Peter Moody, her training partner, preparing to travel with the mare from Victoria on Thursday night.

"Pete and her strapper Mitch are heading up with her tonight (Thursday)…and hopefully they can get the job done," Coleman told Sydney's Sky Sports Radio.

"She's by no means screwed down going into Saturday. We've been pretty vocal the grand final this time around is the Golden Eagle, so there is plenty of water to go under the bridge before we get there and that's when we want to be peaking.

"Definitely plenty of improvement to come out of having the trip away and the run on Saturday, but she goes there in really good order."

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