Ceolwulf's Epsom Handicap bid hinges on forecast rain for Joe Pride
Joe Pride anticipates having two contenders in the upcoming Group 1 Epsom Handicap, with the forecast of intermittent rain over the next seven days favouring the start of his star galloper Ceolwulf. The prominent Randwick mile race has been a long-term objective for stablemate Attica, while Pride has kept his options open for Ceolwulf, whose principal aim is the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) on October 17.
Ceolwulf secured the Epsom two years ago en route to his maiden King Charles triumph. He followed a similar path 12 months ago, finishing sixth in the Epsom before claiming back-to-back victories in the Everest Day feature.
"I reckon we'll have two runners, Attica and Ceolwulf. I'm confident now with the rain around and a bit more at the end of the week," Pride said.
"I was happy to go straight to the King Charles if I needed to, but I'm also happy to give him the 'prep' I've given him for the last two years to get to the King Charles, which is running in the Epsom. I think we're going to get the opportunity to do that. I haven't locked it in yet, but I'd suggest we will."
Ceolwulf carries 59kg in the Epsom, and no horse has carried that weight or more to victory since Super Impose succeeded with 61kg in 1991. Pride is fully aware Ceolwulf faces a significant challenge and is hoping the gelding draws a reasonable gate at Tuesday's barrier draw to ease the task.
A rain-affected track on Saturday will also be a key factor, with wet weather predicted for the latter part of the week. "You don't want to draw outside fifteen because he'd be going right back and giving away a ridiculous start," Pride explained. "Between five and ten, you're probably two or three lengths closer. It's a race we've used successfully. He won it two years ago, but he won it with about 54 kilos so winning it with 59, it's not beyond him because he's such a good horse, but it would want to be a bit of a wet track."
Ceolwulf is currently priced at $15 in pre-post markets, which are jointly led by the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy and the undefeated New Zealander Well Written, both at $3.50. Attica is rated a $6 chance.
Punters considering the Epsom Handicap can explore the latest racing odds at online bookmakers.
More Racing News
Bestower lands feature race win for Kris Lees at Newcastle
A mare not known for consistent victories, Bestower, produced a career-best performance when it mattered most, securing a valuable stakes win in The Beauford at her home track, Newcastle.This was only the fourth win in 35 starts for the mare, and her first since a midweek success last December. Trainer...
Kingswood claims rare Zipping Classic double
Trainer Gavin Bedggood is eyeing a Hong Kong campaign for Kingswood following his history-making Zipping Classic victory.Kingswood has created his own piece of staying race history, achieving a rare double that has not been accomplished for almost six decades. His triumph in the Zipping Classic brings him into line with...
Dabernig's first solo Group 1 achieved with Shadhavar in CF Orr Stakes
The victory of Shadhavar in the CF Orr Stakes undoubtedly provided Tom Dabernig with a unique sense of accomplishment, adding a distinct flavour to his 18 Group One career wins.The Sandown race, serving as the final Group One event of the Victorian Spring for the second consecutive year, saw Shadhavar...
Waller's smart dual-state strategy yields feature race success
Chris Waller's astute decision to campaign his promising three-year-olds, Consulate and Katoto, in separate states has yielded the desired outcome, with both horses emerging victorious in their respective feature races.The decision saw Katoto scratched from the Sandown Guineas (1600m), which Consulate went on to win, while Katoto herself secured a...
Ertijaaj claims emotional victory in Izzy Neale tribute race
The Chris Waller-trained Ertijaaj emerged victorious in a race honouring Izzy Neale, the 22-year-old apprentice jockey who tragically passed away on Tuesday after suffering fatal head injuries in a race fall.Charlie Duckworth, the articulate racing manager for champion trainer Chris Waller, found himself momentarily at a loss for words when...
Cuban Cigar claims deserved win in Legend Mile
Trainer Tracey Bartley has expressed his significant ambitions for Cuban Cigar, a horse that was duly rewarded for his recent consistent form with a victory in the Legend Mile over 1600 metres."He's a really nice horse, I want to back him up next Saturday in The Gong if he gets...
Natural Fling too good in Thoroughbred Club Stakes
Sometimes pushing a horse for another start is a risky strategy, but Tony Mcevoy's experience suggested it was the right call.Co-trainer Calvin Mcevoy confessed to some uncertainty regarding Natural Fling's ability to handle another race given her busy schedule, but the three-year-old filly ultimately delivered a commanding performance in the...
Filly Consulate triumphs in Sandown Guineas ahead of expectations
Trainer Chris Waller expressed satisfaction that the Melbourne Cup Carnival isn't solely about accumulating wins, especially when a filly like Consulate delivers a standout performance in a race such as the Sandown Guineas.The Group 2 1600m contest, now reinstated to its customary date at Sandown, proved significant for Sheza Alibi...
Impressive debut win for Lucky Lakota in Max Lees Classic
Lucky Lakota delivered a hometown victory of sorts in the Newcastle stand-alone opener, clinching the $160,000 Max Lees Classic (900m) with a strong finishing run.Although prepared by Ciaron Maher, the nation's foremost trainer, Lucky Lakota was procured and syndicated by Jamie Lovett and Luke Murrell of Newcastle's Australian Bloodstock, with...
The Racing WA TV team: More than just a broadcast for The Pinnacles
Long before they were in front of the Racing WA TV cameras, the team members were kids riding trackwork, absorbing Racing Radio with their grandparents, working in stables, poring over form guides, and dreaming of calling races. Their individual journeys into racing are remarkably varied, but the common thread of...