Aethelwulf continues winning streak with dominant Rosehill display

In a masterful display of riding, jockey Zac Lloyd guided the promising stayer Aethelwulf to an easy victory in the Merrylands RSL Handicap over 2000 metres.

This win marks the fourth success in five starts this campaign for Aethelwulf, with each victory achieved by substantial margins. His season began with a maiden win at Newcastle by more than five lengths, followed by commanding performances of six-and-a-half lengths, six-and-a-half lengths, and two-and-a-quarter lengths in his subsequent outings.

The margin of victory at Rosehill was not pushed to its full potential, as Lloyd maintained control, sensing the stayer had the measure of his opponents.

Trainer Matthew Smith indicated that a potential trajectory for Aethelwulf this season could see him progress from a Newcastle maiden to the prestigious 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?"

The $1.35 favourite Aethelwulf, lived up to market expectations, cruising to victory well clear of Anthracite ($7.50). Kenmare Bay ($15) finished a further length behind in third.

Lloyd, who has been aboard Aethelwulf for his last three consecutive wins, described the horse 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.".

Following his impressive showing at Rosehill, Aethelwulf has been elevated to $6 equal favouritism for The Metropolitan, sharing the top billing with King Of The Sea, another highly-rated stayer.

Smith confessed that Aethelwulf's rapid improvement throughout the winter had been a pleasant 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."

Don't miss out on the action, explore the best betting sites for the upcoming races.