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By Ray Hickson

Around the same time Zac Lloyd arrived at Godolphin wondering what the future might hold, a yearling colt by Exceed And Excel was also starting his education.

That colt would be named Cylinder.

Zac Lloyd rides Cylinder for Godolphin in the TAB Everest. (Pic: Jess Webber/Bradley Photos.)

Less than 18 months later, Lloyd is champion apprentice and a Bart Cummings Medal winner while Cylinder is dual Group 1 placed and one of the best of his generation.

So it’s a bit spooky that the pair will chasing their most important wins together in the $20 million TAB Everest at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

“When I first came here he was just making his way into the stables as a one-year-old and I used to work him a bit,’’ Lloyd said.

“I’d work with him a lot, too, David McCabe used to ride him. I’ve trialled him twice, I know the horse and he’s a really good horse.

“It was my first time working with yearlings. In Queensland I never really was able to do that so I didn’t know what to expect from a yearling at that point in their career.

“The stable boys thought he was really good and in every gallop he was impressive, he was always one that stood out.”

At 20, Lloyd will be the youngest rider in this year's TAB Everest and if successful the youngest to win it.

He’s well aware of the opportunity he has with Godolphin and to be given the tap by James Cummings to partner a valuable colt, where a win would turn him into a priceless stallion prospect, in the Everest is a strong endorsement.

“They are arguably the biggest brand in the world in racing and to get this opportunity for them in the world’s richest race on turf is surreal,’’ he said.

“I’ve only been riding in town for a year so for James to have that confidence in me is a great honour.

“I have great confidence in myself, I’ve been riding well and getting the results and that’s shown last season. This season I’ve ridden three Group 2s already. But you’ve got to have the support behind you.

“He’s a very good horse and he’s in with a live chance as well.”

Prior to the barrier draw, Cylinder was a $13 chance with TAB as he aims to be the third three-year-old to win the nation’s premier sprint. Like 2022 champ Giga Kick he’ll race in the James Harron Bloodstock slot after last year’s winner was ruled out.

Technically, Lloyd is unbeaten on the colt having guided him to a win in his second career barrier trial in November last year and another back in August prior to his first-up win in the Vain Stakes.

He was then a strong winner of the Group 2 Run To The Rose before a gallant third behind Militarize in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) on September 23 where he endured a tough run.

“He’s arguably got better form lines than Yes Yes Yes and Giga Kick before the Everest,’’ Lloyd said.

“He’s won two races this preparation and arguably should have won the Golden Rose.

“I’ve heard a lot of people say the Everest is more like a 1400m race, it’s a tough 1200m, and he showed last start that he ran 1400m strong especially from three deep.

“I’m sure James will have him in top form for the race as he does with all his horses and I’m just very excited.”

Cylinder runs third in the Golden Rose

Lloyd said, as he does with most big races, he'll pick the mind of champion jockey Darren Beadman, Godolphin's assistant trainer, about handling such a big occasion.

So, the question was posed to him – how does Cylinder win the TAB Everest?

“He’s a very push button horse and he begins really well,’’ he said.

“With the likely lack of tempo in the race besides Overpass he can put himself in the first four I’d imagine.

“Everyone says the first 200m of a race is very important, you’ve got to get out of the gates and rate them well. I’m sure he will travel well on the bridle then use his turn of foot.”

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