Aethelwulf, a promising stayer, demonstrated a remarkable ability to step up to stakes level, easily winning the Group 3 $300,000 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) at Broadmeadow on Friday.
This marked Aethelwulf’s fifth win in seven starts and his fourth consecutive victory. He took the lead 1000 metres from the finish and maintained a strong pace to outstay his rivals for a comfortable win.
Trainer Matthew Smith spoke highly of Aethelwulf, describing him as an exciting stayer and mentioned that a potential target could be 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 remarked. “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 distinctive chestnut, is set to carry only 51kg in the Melbourne Cup and is eligible for a weight penalty due to his Newcastle Cup success.
However, Aethelwulf is currently positioned low in the Melbourne Cup order of entry, leaving 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. Simultaneously, the Group 3 $300,000 Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on the same date offers the winner an automatic qualification for the Melbourne Cup.
Even though Aethelwulf ($1.20 favourite) was progressing from a benchmark 78 win at Rosehill directly to Group 3 competition, he thoroughly dominated his opposition in the Newcastle Gold Cup, winning by more than two lengths from Steel Blaze ($101), with Bella Montagna ($10) finishing third a half-length behind.
Jockey Zac Lloyd was full of praise for Aethelwulf’s outstanding performance.
“He was up against some seasoned stayers and Group 1 winners and he dominated them,” Lloyd stated.
“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 decisive win in the Newcastle Gold Cup has firmly placed Aethelwulf in contention for the 2026 Melbourne Cup, with his weight and potential penalty being key factors.
For those looking to place a wager, exploring betting sites will provide the latest information on the race.
