‘We don’t know his limit’: Ceolwulf ready for round two against Chris Waller heavyweights Via Sistina, Fangirl in 2025 Verry Elleegant Stakes

Joseph Pride’s star gelding is hunting a third Group 1 win over the famous Randwick mile and jockey Chad Schofield ‘couldn’t be happier’ heading into Saturday’s Verry Elleegant Stakes.

Jockey Chad Schofield remains adamant we still don’t know what’s the limit for Ceolwulf ahead of his rematch with Chris Waller’s heavyweights in the Group 1 $1 million Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

Ceolwulf is ready for round two against Waller’s star mares Via Sistina and Fangirl as the Joseph Pride-trained galloper hunts a third Group 1 win over the famous Randwick mile.

The talented trio dominate betting for the feature event with Via Sistina ($1.85 favourite) holding sway with the bookies from Fangirl ($3.20) and Ceolwulf ($5.50).

Fangirl stole the honours when they faced off first-up in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes with Via Sistina and Ceolwulf finishing off with plenty of merit, running third and fourth respectively.

Schofield felt the run was an ominous sign of things to come for Ceolwulf.

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“We were very excited the way he was going but at the same time we knew he is not a horse that fires fresh,” Schofield said.

“For him to run as well as he did, we couldn’t have been happier with the horse.

“Fangirl had the best position in running the other day and had a great run, as did we, but I had to come off her back.

“She was that length closer that was probably the difference but nonetheless, my horse’s effort was extremely good.”

We are fans!!!

Fangirl makes it back-to-back Apollo Stakes 🙌@cwallerracing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/a0XgcxkMs0

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 15, 2025

• ‘This will be tough’: J-Mac ready for Verry big challenge

Ceolwulf, a winner of the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes in the spring, holds nominations for both the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 5 and the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

Pride is open to running the smart son of Tavistock in both races.

“I think Joe is keeping an open mind,” Schofield said.

“He is a horse that is still young and has no doubt got quicker over the past preparation.

“On top of that we don’t know his limit either so I think Joe is just playing it by ear and the good thing is he has options.”

Snaring a Group 1 double will be a challenge for Schofield as he prepares to pilot $81 outsider Movin Out in the Group 1 $750,000 Surround Stakes (1400m).

Movin Out was formerly trained in New Zealand and was a placegetter in the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November last year.

“I watched her trials and more importantly I loved her exhibition gallop last Saturday,” Schofield said.

“She looks like a filly that moves extremely well.

“She might find it a touch sharp on Saturday but no doubt she will get more comfortable as she gets a bit further.”

The Gr. 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas of 2024 🏆

So good, you have to watch it again 🤩

Captured By Love victorious under Joshua Parr for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson 👏#NZCupWeek | @TeAkauRacingpic.twitter.com/KfJ2QVX82P

— Trackside NZ (@TracksideNZ) November 16, 2024

• EXPERT TIPS: Verry Elleegant Stakes, Surround Stakes, Australian Guineas

Schofield will attempt to enhance the Golden Slipper credentials of Hillier and Tupakara with trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald.

Hillier ($19) showed plenty of promise with a second in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes on debut but failed to back up that effort last start when sixth in the Pierro Plate.

He can thrust himself back into the Slipper frame in the Group 2 $300,000 Skyline Stakes (1200m).

“Hillier is blessed with a lot of ability but is doing a lot wrong,” Schofield said.

“He has been too keen in the first parts of his races and it’s affecting the way he is finishing.

“Talking to Annabel and the team, my preference would be to ride the horse quietly to get him to finish off.

“He over travelled on the pace the other day and ran his race upside down.”

A great front-running ride sees Blitzburg run away with the Canonbury Stakes! @[e-mail]/lfWKXME3q5

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 1, 2025

• Memo to punters: Don’t write off Snowden in Slipper

Tupakara ($41) returns from a break in the Group 2 $300,000 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).

The daughter of Trapeze Artist was unplaced in two spring runs, including finishing seventh in the Group 3 Golden Gift in November.

“She trialled nicely,” Schofield said.

“She would have taken good benefit from it fitness wise.

“She is an honest filly with a bit of pace and let’s hope she can stand up against the better ones.”

Schofield starts his day on Cripps Tonite in the Midway Handicap.