Joe Pride eyes Epsom Handicap with Ceolwulf as rain forecast for 2026

Trainer Joe Pride is leaning towards having two starters in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, with forecasts of intermittent rain throughout the next seven days suggesting he will likely accept with his star galloper Ceolwulf. The prestigious Randwick mile race has been a long-term campaign goal for stablemate Attica, while Pride has maintained flexibility with Ceolwulf, whose primary target is the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) on October 17.

Ceolwulf triumphed in the Epsom two years ago on his way to claiming his inaugural King Charles win. He followed the same trajectory 12 months ago, finishing sixth in the Epsom before securing consecutive victories in the Everest Day contest.

“I reckon we’ll have two runners, Attica and Ceolwulf. I’m confident now with the rain around and a bit more at the end of the week,” Pride remarked.

“I was happy to go straight to the King Charles if I needed to, but I’m also happy to give him the ‘prep’ I’ve given him for the last two years to get to the King Charles, which is running in the Epsom. I think we’re going to get the opportunity to do that. I haven’t locked it in yet, but I’d suggest we will.”

Ceolwulf is allocated 59kg for the Epsom, and no horse has carried this weight or more to victory since Super Impose’s success with 61kg in 1991. Pride is acutely aware that Ceolwulf faces a monumental task and is hopeful the gelding will draw a favourable barrier at Tuesday’s draw to mitigate the challenge.

A rain-affected track on Saturday is also expected to be a critical factor, with wet weather predicted for the end of the week. “You don’t want to draw outside fifteen because he’d be going right back and giving away a ridiculous start,” Pride commented. “Between five and ten, you’re probably two or three lengths closer. It’s a race we’ve used successfully. He won it two years ago, but he won it with about 54 kilos so winning it with 59, it’s not beyond him because he’s such a good horse, but it would want to be a bit of a wet track.”

Ceolwulf is currently a $15 outsider in pre-post markets, which are jointly headed by the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy and the undefeated New Zealander Well Written, both priced at $3.50. Attica is being kept safe at $6.

Punters keen on the Epsom Handicap can explore the available betting markets for the race.