The $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes is shaping as a moment of truth for Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) as the dual Group One-winning miler seeks to prove he can mix it with the country’s best horses over a middle distance.
Ceolwulf will take his place in a crack field that boasts Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, international raiders Dubai Honour and Rousham Park, Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man and pre-post Melbourne Cup fancy Vauban.
The winner of the Epsom Handicap-King Charles III Stakes double over a mile in the spring, Ceolwulf had his autumn campaign interrupted when he missed a scheduled run in the Verry Elleegant Stakes.
He was forced to play catch-up in two subsequent starts over unsuitable distances and made hard work of his last start win in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m).
While that performance didn’t result in the dominant victory many expected, trainer Joe Pride said in hindsight, it was the run he needed to have.
“There has been a lot said about his run,” Pride said.
“There are a few things, and it normally is a combination of things, there’s not normally one answer to any question in racing.
“We got a heavy track, we had him going up 500 metres, we had a very slowly run race and a big weight. It wasn’t one of his best performances, I get that.
“But I also think it was the run he needed at 2000 metres to bring him right on and that’s what it looks like it has done. He will be here on Saturday and he’ll run really well.”
Pride pointed out the Australian Derby placegetter turned in a similar effort in the spring when he followed a win in a 1500m benchmark race in August with a narrow second to Eliyass over 2000m in the Kingston Town Stakes before going on to land majors at his next two starts.
While Ceolwulf still needs to prove he can be as effective over 2000m at the top level as he has been over a mile, Pride is keeping the faith.
“We will find that out on Saturday,” he said.
“It was just like a launching pad for him, that run at 2000 metres (in the spring), and I think this will be the same.
“The difference between a 1000-metre horse and 1200-metre horse is massive. There are horses that run great over 1000 and can’t run 1200 metres down a well.
“But a mile to 2000 metres is not that same kind of hurdle.”
Ceolwulf came up with the outside gate in the 15-horse field at Tuesday’s barrier draw with favourite Via Sistina drawing gate one.
