Why Joe Pride will resist Doncaster push with Ceolwulf

“Via Sistina is an excellent mare. But other than what she did on Cox Plate Day [when winning by eight lengths], I feel like Ceolwulf can beat her. I’m not saying he will beat her, but I think he can beat her. He’s yet to peak – we’re yet to see the best of Ceolwulf, but I’m not sure Via Sistina can go better than she did in last year’s Cox Plate.”

The Australian Turf Club made the early call to move Saturday’s meeting because of the rain. The barrier draw for this weekend’s Doncaster and Derby will be held at the end of the meeting.

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Pride was able to give Ceolwulf an easy gallop on Sunday morning to keep him ticking over for the Neville Selwood. He did the same with his three horses in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) – Coal Crusher, Mazu and Dragonstone. All three thrive in the slush. Pride said the market had it right with his three chances, with Mazu the favourite.

Coal Crusher faded quickly first-up, but Pride said his horse always did that first-up, and nearly always improved second-up. Mazu is drawn well and appreciates Rosehill.

Pride said the Brisbane winter carnival was a possibility for the trio, along with the Hall Mark Stakes on April 19, while a quick backup into Saturday’s group 1 TJ Smith Stakes “is unlikely, but we won’t rule it out until we see what we see from them on Tuesday”.

Everest-bound Private Harry to skip shot at autumn riches

Everest-bound Private Harry was withdrawn from the rest of the Sydney autumn carnival. The unbeaten three-year-old colt was battling Chris Waller-trained Joliestar for favouritism in the $3 million TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick this Saturday before the announcement. Trainer Nathan Doyle and part-owners Kurrinda Bloodstock, who announced a 50 per cent sale of Private Harry to Yulong Investments on Saturday, said it was tempting to run in the TJ Smith but “we feel he will benefit greatly from the opportunity to rest” before returning in the spring to target the $20 million Everest, where they will race in Yulong’s slot.
Craig Kerry

Appeal win opens doors for Lloyd

Zac Lloyd’s appeal win opened the door to key rides on the deferred Tancred Stakes day meeting on Tuesday. Lloyd was suspended from March 23 to April 3 for careless riding aboard Willaidow at Rosehill on March 15, meaning he would have missed Tancred Stakes day, even after it was moved from Saturday because of a heavy track. However, an appeals panel found Lloyd’s offence was on the low to medium range and changed the suspension period to March 26-30. Lloyd replaces James McDonald, who will be in Dubai, on Movin Out (Vinery Stud), King Of Thunder (Tulloch) and Willaidow (Doncaster Prelude). Blake Shinn replaces McDonald on Quietly Arrogant (Baillieu), Brudenell (Star Kingdom) and River Of Stars (Tancred). Damian Lane rides Scarlet Oak (Emancipation).
Craig Kerry