Lloyd backs talented pair to perform at Newcastle

Leading jockey Zac Lloyd is set to test the mettle of Metropolitan contender Aethelwulf and Epsom Handicap hopeful Althoff in key lead-up races at Newcastle, with their respective carnival aspirations on the line.

Aethelwulf, aiming for his fourth consecutive win, faces a dual test in Friday's Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m): extending beyond 2000m for the first time and competing at stakes level. Meanwhile, Althoff will seek to strengthen his Epsom Handicap credentials in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m).

Lloyd, who has an unblemished record on both horses trained by Matt Smith, emphasised the necessity for Aethelwulf to continue his winning run to solidify his market position for the Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick next month.

"He needs to win if he wants to progress to a Metrop," Lloyd explained.

"He's not well weighted. The top horse has compressed the weights so some nice horses are giving him less kilos than what they should be, so that's going to be tricky for him.

"But it will be good to see where he's at. I have a lot of belief in him and so does Matt. Hopefully he can win and win comfortably.

"He's one of the more exciting horses I've sat on just in how he's progressed every run."

Among Aethelwulf's rivals is the topweight and Sydney Cup winner, Changingoftheguard. The latter is striving to provide local trainer Kris Lees with a second Newcastle Cup, emulating Mugatoo's success six years ago.

Althoff arrives at his assignment in impressive form, having recorded dominant victories in his past two starts.

Lloyd considered the gelding's most recent win at Rosehill particularly convincing. As with Aethelwulf, he noted that Althoff's performance on Friday would be decisive in determining his next target.

"Barrier one is fantastic for him. He can 'posi' up closer than he did the other day," Lloyd commented.

"His last win was full of merit because he had to go back on a track that was favouring leaders, and if he wins at Newcastle, he'll probably take his place in the Epsom with a light weight.

"So two important races on Friday."

The Tibbie Stakes (1400m), contested by fillies and mares, concludes the day's feature races. Lloyd is booked to partner the returning Polymnia, trained by John O'Shea and Tom Charlton.

Although her strongest performances have been over longer distances, she demonstrates a capacity for a strong sprint when fresh and has secured placings in three of her five first-up efforts.

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