Ceolwulf has tuned up for his Apollo Stakes return with a superb barrier trial win at Warwick Farm, setting the scene for an exciting autumn carnival ahead.
The dual Group 1 victor led throughout in Thursday’s 1000m heat and wasn’t tested to comfortably defeat Via Sistina, who he is likely to meet first-up in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) two weeks from Saturday.
Fangirl warmed up late for third, just ahead of 2022 New Zealand Derby winner Asterix, who also caught the eye with a sharp performance.
The stars are out at Warwick Farm this morning⭐️
1️⃣ CEOLWULF
2️⃣ VIA SISTINA
3️⃣ FANGIRL🎥: @SkyRacingAU pic.twitter.com/jlMiOmo4zP
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) January 29, 2025
The heat was the first of three course proper trials featuring a host of Sydney’s most prominent horses, including Linebacker who finished a solid second to Bacchanalia in what was his second and final public hitout before a scheduled resumption in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 8.
“He did a little bit more today because he’s got to run on Saturday week,” co-trainer John O’Shea said.
“He had a burn around to blow out a few cobwebs.”
The Group 1 placegetter has returned a gelding after proving difficult to handle as a colt in the spring.
O’Shea has seen a noticeable difference in his attitude in the stable and hopes that converts to racetrack performances with the Randwick Guineas among the three-year-old’s carnival goals.
“It has definitely made him easier to contend with and it’s a lot safer for my staff,” he said.
“But it would appear he’s a happy horse in a good frame of mind.”
Kerrin McEvoy partnered Lineback in the trial and will ride him first-up at Randwick.
Flight Stakes winner Lady Shenandoah took out the other Group trial with a stylish win over stablemate Switzerland, with Melbourne Cup fourth placegetter Zardozi stretching out nicely late to finish fifth.
