Ceolwulf Dominates Trial Against Top Rivals

[Wandering Eyes]

Some of racing’s biggest equine names have featured prominently in a key barrier trial session.

Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) 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 (NZ) (Tavistock), who also caught the eye with a sharp performance.

The heat was the first of three course proper trials featuring a host of Sydney’s most prominent horses, including Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) 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.

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