Via Sistina and Ceolwulf are preparing to clash for just the second time in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick in a match-up that could lay the foundation for an enthralling carnival rivalry.
Considered two of the best middle-distance horses in training, neither will be ideally suited over the 1400-metres of Saturday’s race but in spite of that, they head markets based on class alone.
Both are likely to meet again second-up in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), potentially again in either the George Ryder (1500m) or Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and ultimately, the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
It sets the scene for a tantalising autumn of showdowns, reminiscent of the rivalry between two other horses prepared by their trainers – former top sprinters Nature Strip, who was with Via Sistina’s conditioner Chris Waller, and Eduardo trained by Ceolwulf’s Joe Pride.
“Certainly, for this autumn, it looks a good match-up,” Pride said.
“And I keep hearing about these other horses (Via Sistina’s owners) Yulong have purchased, the Japanese are bringing some over, and Dubai Honour is coming back. Let’s not forget there are a lot of other horses out there as well. But if you just focus on those two, it looks a good clash.”
The only time Via Sistina and Ceolwulf have met was in last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes when free-rolling frontrunner Pride Of Jenni ran them all off their feet.
The former was having just her second Australian start and Ceolwulf was backing up from an Australian Derby placing while also tackling weight-for-age for the first time.
Both have reached fresh heights since, Pride’s four-year-old returning as a gelding in the spring to brilliantly claim the Epsom Handicap-King Charles III Stakes double, while Via Sistina took out the Cox Plate in a romp.
Ceolwulf is 30kg heavier this time in work, which Pride says is all muscle, and while the trainer is wary of his charge’s modest first-up record and a lack of obvious tempo in the Apollo Stakes (1400m), he can’t help but look forward to getting him back to the races.
“His first-up record tells me I shouldn’t get excited. Wherever he starts his prep, he is going to be a lot better once he has a few runs,” Pride said.
“As long as he runs well, I’ll be happy.
“It looks a slow-run race but potentially, that doesn’t suit a few main chances in the race. We will see what happens when the gates open. It will be a tactical battle, for sure.”
Via Sistina was a $2.10 favourite for the Apollo Stakes on Wednesday, ahead of Ceolwulf at $3.60 and Fangirl at $4.20 with gambling apps.
