Ceolwulf might have had to play second fiddle to the best horse in the country, Autumn Glow, in the King Charles III Stakes, but it has provided the perfect base for Australia’s weight-for-age, the Cox Plate next Saturday.
Trainer Joe Pride was happy with how Ceolwulf came through the run on Sunday morning and plans to be at Flemington for a unique Cox Plate on Saturday.
“He is good. It wasn’t a gutbuster, he did chase a champion mare but Chad [Schofield] was able to look after him late,” Pride said.
“He picked up $850,000, and if he continues to show the right signs will go to the Cox Plate.
“He has been paid up all the way along, and at the moment, we intend for pay up on Tuesday.
“He won’t do any work in the meantime, he just has to recover well from the weekend.”
Ceolwulf was promoted to the second line of Cox Plate betting at $5.50 by the TAB with Aeliana, Sir Delius and Caulfield Guineas winner Warwoven share favouritism at $4.50.
“He has had success at Flemington before, and there is a bit of rain around down there as well that will help him,” Pride said.
“[The Cox Plate] being at Flemington is a bit of bonus for us.
“He is going really well this preparation, and we always had this back-up in mind.”
Meanwhile, a final decision if Warwoven will run in the Cox Plate will be made after Rachel King rides him in a track gallop at Cranbourne on Tuesday.
