Via Sistina and Ceolwulf are set to meet for just the second time in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick, with the race potentially sparking an exciting rivalry for the autumn carnival.
Regarded as two of the best middle-distance horses in training, both horses may not be perfectly suited to the 1400-metre distance, but they lead the markets based purely on their class.
They are expected to face off again second-up in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), possibly in the George Ryder (1500m) or Ranvet Stakes (2000m), and ultimately in the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
This sets up the possibility of an autumn full of thrilling encounters, similar to the rivalry between former top sprinters Nature Strip (trained by Via Sistina’s Chris Waller) and Eduardo (trained by Ceolwulf’s Joe Pride).
“Certainly, for this autumn, it looks a good match-up,” Pride said. “There are other contenders like Yulong’s horses and Dubai Honour, but if you focus on these two, it looks like a great clash.”
Their only previous meeting was in last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where free-rolling Pride Of Jenni set a fast pace and left them both behind. At the time, Via Sistina was only in her second Australian start, and Ceolwulf was backing up from an Australian Derby placing.
Since then, both horses have reached new heights. Ceolwulf, now a gelding, claimed the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes double in the spring, while Via Sistina stormed to victory in the Cox Plate.
Ceolwulf has returned 30kg heavier this preparation, which Pride attributes to muscle gain. Although the trainer acknowledges Ceolwulf’s modest first-up record and the lack of obvious tempo in the Apollo Stakes, he’s excited to see his charge back at the races.
“His first-up record says I shouldn’t get too excited, but he’ll be much better after a few runs,” Pride said. “As long as he runs well, I’ll be happy. It looks like a slow-run race, but that could suit or not suit some of the other main chances. It will be a tactical battle.”
Via Sistina was the $2.10 favourite for the Apollo Stakes on Wednesday, followed by Ceolwulf at $3.60 and Fangirl at $4.20, according to gambling apps.