2024 King Charles III Stakes runner-by-runner form assessments and selections

Racenet’s Clinton Payne presents his tips and form assessment for each of the runners in Saturday’s Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick.

Ceolwulf, pictured winning the Epsom Handicap, is one of the key chances in Saturday’s Group 1 King Charles III Stakes. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

The $5 million King Charles III Stakes has drawn together a quality field of proven weight-for-age performers, with a field of 12 runners declared for the 1600m contest.

Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday.

• GLEN BOSS: What J-Mac needs to do to beat Pride Of Jenni in King Charles III Stakes

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1 – PERICLES

Comes back in trip to a distance more to his liking after coming up short over 1800 and 1900m in his past two starts. He does his best racing at Randwick and he’s effective on all types of ground. Weight-for-age grade is the query.

VERDICT: He’s not up to weight-for-age standard.

Pericles makes easy work of the field in the So You Think Stakes! 👏@blake_shinn for James Cummings pic.twitter.com/43OKhJmlxN

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 7, 2024

2 – MY OBERON

Classy galloper ticking over well this preparation and ran well in this race last year when third behind Fangirl and Mr Brightside. Does his best racing over the Randwick mile and he’ll appreciate getting his toe into the ground.

VERDICT: Not without each-way claims.

And that's why we are fans! Fangirl wins brilliantly at Randwick for @mcacajamez and @cwallerracing! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/TUcrjMnNF8

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 21, 2024

3 – LION’S ROAR

He is a Group 1 winning miler at this track. Been freshened since winning the Wyong Cup early last month and wasn’t knocked around in a recent trial. He handles soft ground and his record at Randwick is better than anywhere else.

VERDICT: Racing well but this is a task.

Lion's Roar screams in to win the Wyong Cup Cup!🏆 🦁 pic.twitter.com/3Wk267TMgo

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 6, 2024

4 – MAJOR BEEL

Came back in good order this prep, winning first-up before respectable performances this track and distance in the 7 Stakes and Epsom Handicap. Handles all types of ground.

VERDICT: Going well but this is harder than the last two.

2023 ATC Derby winner Major Beel gets the cash in an epic finish at Randwick!@[e-mail]/k4q7ELYDlL

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 7, 2024

5 – NEW ENERGY

Talented galloper but he’s hard to catch. Been around the mark in most of his Aussie runs but they have been in easier grade than this. At his best on dry tracks. Comes into this off a 2.3-length fifth to Amor Victorian in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes.

VERDICT: Aiming too high.

Amor Victorious all-the-way with @G1TySchil in the saddle! The Shannon Stakes goes to @BBakerRacing 🏇 pic.twitter.com/OoGB4Hh2jH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 28, 2024

6 – CEOLWULF

Has turned the corner since being gelded. He capped off his new zest for racing with a storming victory last start in the Epsom Handicap. Handles all types of ground and his record indicates he does his best racing here. Weight-for-age class is another step up.

VERDICT: Not without each-way claims.

It's Ceolwulf right down the outside in the TAB Epsom and he sails away to take the famous G1 mile for @SchofieldChad and @PrideRacing! 🏆@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/irirNeZGse

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 5, 2024

7 – CELESTIAL LEGEND

Has been hitting the line but has been below his best in his two runs this preparation. D-Day now, third-up, Blake Shinn takes the reins and he gets the blinkers for the first time. He’s unbeaten over the Randwick mile and handles all surfaces.

VERDICT: Can jump out of the ground here.

That win is the stuff of legend!

Look at Celestial Legend jump out of the ground to take the G1 Doncaster Mile for Les Bridge and @G1TySchil !@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/r3eRQyYXU2

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 6, 2024

8 – TOM KITTEN

Old mate Tom didn’t have the best of luck in the Epsom and while safely held by the winner, his performance was full of merit after never getting on the track. He’s again drawn terribly but he’s racing well and handles all surfaces.

VERDICT: Place claims are strongest.

The kitten roars! 🐱

Spring Champion Stakes winner Tom Kitten is back in the winner's circle at Rosehill, as spring beckons!@mcacajamez@[e-mail]/WUWN1xzazO

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 17, 2024

9 – PRIDE OF JENNI

Australia’s highest rated horse that has an exceptional record at the mile and she’s at the peak of her powers now so expect her to make this a brutal test. Handles all types of ground and will make her own luck.

VERDICT: The horse to beat.

THAT WAS AWESOME! 💙💜

Pride Of Jenni runs her opposition into the ground! 🔥 @[e-mail]/i8oSg4dNbf

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 27, 2024

10 – FANGIRL

One of the premier milers in the country and she was awesome winning this race last year. Comes into this off another weight-for-age victory this track and trip in the 7 Stakes. Provided the track isn’t heavy it will be OK.

VERDICT: Pride Of Jenni’s biggest danger.

That was special! Fangirl kicks clear to win the King Charles III in dominant fashion! 🙌@[e-mail]/8o5wSFko67

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 14, 2023

11 – ZOUGOTCHA

She’s a ripping mare with a great record over 120 up to the mile and she handles all conditions but expecting her to be scratched and run next week in The Invitation.

VERDICT: No jockey would suggest she’ll be scratched and run next week.

Who did you think got there?

Zougotcha claims to Coolmore - Queen Of The Turf double, defeating stablemate Atishu who was closing the gap fast!@aus_turf_club@[e-mail]/25iDzTgkKY

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 13, 2024

12 – AMELIA’S JEWEL

Former WA galloper that’s come us short in her two Sydney runs for the new stable and this is the hardest race she’s run in since arriving here. Does have a good record at the mile but the drier the better.

VERDICT: Think these will find her out.

"Bring on the Cox Plate."

Amelia's Jewel glides to the post to take out the Stocks Stakes 💎 @[e-mail]/dLggkgXDVa

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 29, 2023

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CLINTON PAYNE’S TIPS
1st – PRIDE OF JENNI (No. 9)
2nd – FANGIRL (No. 10)
3rd – CELESTIAL LEGEND (No. 7)
4th – CEOLWULF (No. 6)

Originally published as 2024 King Charles III Stakes runner-by-runner form assessments and selections