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.
Explore the latest racing odds with betting sites.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...