Aethelwulf, under the masterful ride of jockey Zac Lloyd, simply toyed with his competitors to secure victory in the Merrylands RSL Handicap over 2000 metres.
This win marks the fourth from five starts this campaign for the stayer, with each victory achieved by substantial margins. His season began with a maiden win at Newcastle by over five lengths, followed by dominant performances of six-and-a-half lengths, six-and-a-half lengths, and two-and-a-quarter lengths in his subsequent races.
The margin of victory at Rosehill was not pushed to its limit, as Lloyd maintained control, confident that the stayer had the measure of his rivals.
Trainer Matthew Smith indicated that a potential path for Aethelwulf this campaign could lead from a Newcastle maiden to the Group 2 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.
“Aethelwulf may get there (The Metropolitan), we might go to the Newcastle Cup first,” Smith said. “If he gets through that then why not?”
Aethelwulf ($1.35 favourite) performed as expected for an odds-on favourite, cruising to victory well clear of Anthracite ($7.50). Kenmare Bay ($15) finished just over a length behind in third.
Lloyd, who has partnered Aethelwulf for his last three starts resulting in three runaway wins, described the stayer as a “super exciting horse”.
“Aethelwulf is still very raw and will be a better horse in six to 12 months but he can’t be doing much better than he is now,” Lloyd said.
“He won easily and is a natural stayer. He pulls up very clean-winded, his breathing is very clear.”.
Aethelwulf’s impressive showing at Rosehill today has seen him firm into $6 equal favouritism for The Metropolitan, sharing the top spot with King Of The Sea, another highly-rated stayer.
Smith admitted that Aethelwulf’s progression this winter had been a surprise.
“We were hoping he would do that today but you never know,” Smith said.
“He’s a pretty unassuming horse at home, he’s a lazy trackworker but he’s switched on come raceday.
“It was good to see him step up in grade today and once he learns his craft he could be very good.
“I feel 2000m and beyond will be his trip as he has a massive stride, he has the biggest stride in my stable, but it’s a big, easy, loping stride, very economical.”
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