The Metropolitan Tips 2026: Predictions & Best Bets

Matthew Smith looks to have uncovered another promising staying prospect in Aethelwulf, who lines up in Saturday’s The Metropolitan, aiming to make it four wins on the trot.

The 5YO faces a tougher and more seasoned group this time around, but his recent performances suggest he belongs at this level. Aethelwulf has quickly built an impressive record, and another strong showing at Randwick could see him take a significant step forward.

He has saluted in five of his seven career appearances, with his latest success in the Newcastle Cup standing out. He travelled comfortably throughout before putting the race away with authority, and the 2400m of The Metropolitan should give him every opportunity to settle and build into the contest.

With Zac Lloyd riding, he should get all favours in the run, and the $2.30 odds are justified given his ability.

A runner who could firm considerably on race day is The Euphrates, and the Waterhouse/Bott stable knows how to get their stayers ready for this race.

They have a good record in The Metropolitan, and with this runner coming off a statement win at Randwick, he’s our next best to win. He’ll likely sit on the speed, and running him down could prove too tough over 2400m.

If he manages to pinch a break on Aethelwulf, he’s good enough to win. He showed that when holding off some nice types last time out when beating Juja Kibo and Soul of Spain, and they are two good chances to win.

Tim Clark will have no trouble finding the front off the inside draw, and he’s the best judge of pace on front runners in Australia, so we’re confident of a good run.

Deakin is a runner who could win or finish down the track, and although that’s a risky bet, we’re happy to include him in picks.

The five-time winner showed good speed when running third at Caulfield behind Kingswood, and that’s a good form guide for The Metropolitan. He didn’t fire last start on paper when running eighth, but he was only two lengths behind Zahrann.

We believe that’s a good form guide for this Group 2 race, and the $13 odds are worth including in The Metropolitan predictions.

Punters get value odds with our The Metropolitan SRM, which includes our three selected runners.

We have Aethelwulf to Win, The Euphrates Top 2, and Deakin Top 4, which pays $16.00 for our three-runner SRM.

We’re banking on Aethelwulf to win the race, and he’s the standout thoroughbred in this race. We have him scoring the quinella with The Euphrates, and Deakin Top 4 can boost payouts.