‘We don’t know his limits’: Pride unleashes Attica in Randwick Guineas test

Joe Pride still doesn’t know where the ceiling is with Spring Champion Stakes winner Attica, but thinks Saturday’s Randwick Guineas will go some way to finding out.

The Lonhro colt will look to become the fourth member of the star class of Godolphin three-year-olds to win a Group 1 this year in the Randwick Classic.

“He has only had five starts, so we don’t know what his real strengths and limitations,” Pride said.

“There aren’t that many limitations, and we know he is going to be better getting up to the mile.”

“We are still learning about him, but what we do know is he is very good.”

Attica stormed home into fourth in the slowly run Hobartville Stakes behind Ninja a fortnight ago, when he went back from a bad draw.

Don’t expect him to follow the same path in the Guineas.

“I think he has more speed this time in, and I would like to have him closer,” Pride said. “I would love to draw a good gate on Saturday because we can put him into the race.”

“We only went back because the gate first-up. That run did its job, and he is ready to go on the weekend.”

“It is a big race for him, a huge race for him when you think he is still a colt.”

“The Godolphin team have been amazing so far, it’s great to be trusted with a horse like him and hopefully he can join the party.”

While Pride focuses on Saturday’s Group 1, he has prepared four-time mile Group 1 winner Ceolwulf for a spell.

“He has pulled really well from the weekend, but he is just not right, particularly in his feet,” Pride said.

“He has always had feet problems because he has a poor PA angle, which affects his feet.”

“He didn’t have long off between the spring and this preparation, and it is a good opportunity to put him first and have a big break now.”

Ceolwulf will have at least three months in the paddock, but Pride is adamant that he is not a bleeder, even though blood was found in his nostrils again on Saturday.