Talented stayer Aethelwulf made a seamless transition to stakes company, cruising to victory in the Group 3 $300,000 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) at Broadmeadow on Friday.
This marked Aethelwulf’s fifth triumph from seven starts and his fourth consecutive win, having taken the lead 1000 metres from the finish and comfortably outstaying his competitors.
Trainer Matthew Smith indicated that the exciting stayer could be aimed at the Group 1 $10 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3.
“I was a bit nervous before the race, I must say,” Smith said. “But he seemed to get into a nice rhythm early and down the back it was a bit muddling and I guess Zac (Lloyd, jockey) thought they were going a bit slow so he let the horse stride and he was too good.
“Zac has so much confidence in this horse, from the first time he sat on him he’s raving about the horse.
“Aethelwulf is still learning but if he pulls up well we might look at the Bart Cummings or The Metropolitan, one or the other.”
Aethelwulf, a striking chestnut, is set to carry just 51kg in the Melbourne Cup and is eligible for a weight penalty following his Newcastle success.
However, Aethelwulf currently sits low in the Melbourne Cup order of entry, presenting trainer Smith with a significant decision regarding the four-year-old’s next race.
Aethelwulf became the $3 favourite for the Group 2 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick on October 3. Alternatively, the Group 3 $300,000 Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on the same day offers a direct entry into the Melbourne Cup for the winner.
Despite stepping up from a benchmark 78 win at Rosehill directly to Group 3 level, Aethelwulf ($1.20 favourite) dominated his rivals in the Newcastle Gold Cup, winning by over two lengths from Steel Blaze ($101), with Bella Montagna ($10) securing third place.
Jockey Zac Lloyd was full of admiration for Aethelwulf following his commanding performance.
“He was up against some seasoned stayers and Group 1 winners and he dominated them,” Lloyd said.
“It’s exciting because he’s still so raw and he hasn’t found himself in a race with a genuine tempo.
“They were crawling in the first 1000m but I have so much faith in this horse, no matter what I do he will be able to overcome it.
“So, I thought I would rather keep him happy and float around them to go to the front. He’s got so much to learn but he’s very promising.”
The Newcastle Gold Cup victory has positioned Aethelwulf prominently in discussions for the 2026 Melbourne Cup, with his weight and potential penalty key factors in his campaign.
For those interested in the upcoming major races, checking out Australian betting sites can provide the latest odds and markets.