This Saturday at Royal Randwick, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes, with last year’s dual Group 1 winner, Ceolwulf, ready to take on some of the world’s finest mares. Trained by Joe Pride, Ceolwulf, the victor of both the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes, will challenge top competitors Fangirl and Via Sistina, both trained by the reigning NSW trainers premiership winner, Chris Waller.
Pride is confident that Ceolwulf is ready to spoil the party. Despite finishing behind these two stars in his first-up run, the extra distance of the race and the benefit of having a run under his belt will see him better suited for this clash. Ceolwulf’s bold challenge sets the stage for a mouth-watering battle that promises to captivate race fans.
But don’t count out the mares just yet! Via Sistina, with the world-renowned James McDonald back in the saddle after his narrow defeat in the Saudi Cup aboard Romantic Warrior, will be looking to take the victory. Via Sistina and Romantic Warrior have often been compared after their respective Cox Plate wins, and with McDonald at the helm, she’s certainly one to watch. However, both contenders will need to get past Fangirl, who claimed victory over the pair in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes just two weeks ago. Though the Apollo Stakes race was slower than some of the other contests, Fangirl’s fast sectionals home point to a fantastic showdown in the Verry Elleegant Stakes.
Another exciting runner in the mix is Zarakem, trained by Ciaron Maher. While he might only be making his first Australian start, Zarakem’s resume is impressive, having competed in some of Europe’s top races, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Juddmonte International. He also posted a narrow second-place finish in the prestigious Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot, just behind the formidable Auguste Rodin.
