Dual Group 1 winner Ceolwulf is poised for a return to action in next month’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
The four-year-old gelding was last seen securing back-to-back victories in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) within two weeks in October. His trainer, Joe Pride, believes Ceolwulf has developed significantly during his time off.
“I’m really happy with him,” Pride said.
“The aim is to run in the Apollo on the 15th (of February). He’s just going along really nicely. He’s put on a heap of weight.
“He seems like a bigger, stronger horse. How many times have you heard that from a trainer? But he does and he is actually, because he was racing at low 480s and he’s now 520 kilos.
“So he’s going to trim down a little bit before he goes to the races, but there’s not an ounce of fat on him.
“He’s coming up really well. I’m scary excited. Because as exciting as it is, it’s scary having a horse that good.”
Ceolwulf’s progress has Pride cautiously optimistic as the gelding prepares to take on what promises to be a competitive renewal of the Apollo Stakes.
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