Sydney star Ceolwulf is set to tackle the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington, with trainer Joe Pride confident the multiple Group 1 winner is approaching the weight-for-age championship in outstanding condition.
While Ceolwulf has established himself as one of Australia’s leading milers, Pride has long been eager to test the talented gelding over the Cox Plate distance.
The major concern had been the relatively short turnaround from last Saturday’s Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) at Randwick, where Pride had anticipated a demanding contest against some of the country’s best horses.
However, the late scratching of Pride Of Jenni due to a minor leg infection changed the complexion of the race, with unbeaten superstar Autumn Glow going on to produce another dominant performance.
Ceolwulf finished runner-up behind Autumn Glow but was not subjected to the gruelling contest Pride had initially feared, with the gelding eased down over the concluding stages.
That relatively comfortable outing has strengthened Pride’s confidence in backing Ceolwulf up in the Cox Plate, where he will step beyond his preferred mile distance against elite weight-for-age opposition.
Having already gained valuable experience racing at Flemington, Ceolwulf now heads towards the prestigious Group 1 contest with his trainer believing he could be in career-best form.
The Cox Plate presents an opportunity for Ceolwulf to demonstrate his versatility beyond 1600 metres and add another major victory to his impressive record.
