Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Pride takes the quinella with Group 1 stars
Joseph Pride claimed the quinella in Heat 1 at Friday’s trials at Warwick Farm, with Group 1 winners Private Eye (Al Maher) and Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) putting in eye-catching performances over 1000 metres.
Private Eye was scratched from Saturday's G2 Missile Stakes and instead led all the way in his trial, showing his typical dash. Behind him, stablemate Ceolwulf impressed under a quiet ride from Chad Schofield, settling midfield and wide, before running on strongly to get within half a length under minimal pressure.
Our Gold Hope (Lope De Vega {Ire}) also caught the eye late, closing for fourth. The Group-performed middle-distance mare looks to have returned in good order.
Pride revealed that he’d instructed Schofield to ride Ceolwulf conservatively in an earlier trial but was more lenient this time around.
“I don’t know if it had any bearing on his prep, but I let him do a bit too much in his trials last time around, so I deliberately got him out of the contest the other day,” Pride said.
“But I was happy for him to do a little bit more on Friday. He’s been great, and the Winx Stakes will be his first-up run for sure. It’s locked in.”
Ceolwulf (NZ) placing second at Warwick Farm Trial | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
As for Private Eye, a return over 1400 metres is possible now, with both the G1 Winx Stakes and G2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes under consideration, but nothing as yet is locked in for the 8-year-old.
Quiet returns for Willydoit and Buckaroo
Group 1-winning stayers Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino {NZ}) and Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock) had quiet outings in Heat 2 over 900 metres, finishing sixth and seventh respectively under minimal riding. The trial was taken out by Felix Majestic (Smart Missile), trained by Gary Nickson.
While little changed in the run, several high-quality gallopers used the hit-out to stretch their legs. Gatsby (Snitzel) improved from his first trial to finish half a length away in second. Warnie (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}) and Jedibeel (NZ) (Savabeel) were also solid in third and fourth under quiet rides.
Sir Delius gears up for a cups campaign
One of the early favourites for the Melbourne Cup, Sir Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}), had his second trial this prep in a five-horse field over 1200 metres.
The G3 Chairman’s Handicap winner at his only start in Australia was given a good test under Tim Clark, settling back before finishing third, just a neck behind the Bjorn Baker-trained Nkosi (Shamus Award), who was urged to lead throughout by Joshua Parr.
Video: Watch race replay of Nkosi at Warwick Farm trials, video courtesy of Racing NSW
He was asked for an effort by jockey Tim Clark, but he responded well in an effort that would have pleased connections. Co-trainer Adrian Bott said after Sir Delius's first trial, when fourth at Warwick Farm on July 25.
“We could see him kick off in the Chelmsford Stakes or a similar race, but there’s plenty of time to make that call.”
Mazu still full of spark
In Heat 7 over 795 metres, Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) showed he still has the zip that’s helped him amass over $12 million in prizemoney and bonuses for Triple Crown Syndications and connections.
The 7-year-old led throughout and scored comfortably under Jason Collett, who never moved on the talented sprinter.
Video: Watch race replay of Mazu at Warwick Farm trials, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Divine Vicky (So You Think {NZ}) was solid in second, while Rapbidash (Supido) ran well for third.
Expect Mazu to again line up in top-level sprint features this spring, a proven Group 1 performer who’s always a threat in those races.
Apocalyptic catches the eye late
All eyes were on Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice) in Heat 10 over 795 metres, despite her finishing fifth behind winner Huon (Kermadec {NZ}), trained by Richard Litt.
The MyRacehorse owned filly with other partners flashed home late under Tommy Berry, doing so under a soft ride. She has only had the one start when finishing runner-up at Randwick in December, behind Gallo Nero (Wootton Bassett), who has since placed at Listed and Group 2 level.
Video: Watch race replay of Huon at Warwick Farm trials, video courtesy of Racing NSW
That juvenile event was strong, Group 3 winner Memo (Capitalist) finished third, with G3 Breeders’ Plate placegetter Tempestuous (Extreme Choice), and the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO winner O’ Ole (Ole Kirk) finishing fifth.
Apocalyptic was purchased for $400,000 by MyRacehorse Pty Ltd, Michael Freedman Racing, and Julian Blaxland Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Apocalyptic placing at the Warwick Trials | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Her full brother recently fetched $1.7 million at the 2025 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, bought by Chris Waller Racing, Mulcaster Bloodstock, and B2B Thoroughbreds.
Their dam, Shadow (Medaglia d’Oro), is in foal to Pierro, and due later this spring.
