The likelihood of Gwenda Markwell pursuing a Brisbane Carnival assault with Archedemus has firmed after the leading trainer confirmed her rising star had come through Saturday's Hawkesbury Cup triumph with flying colours.
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Archedemus lead all the way to claim his maiden Group 3 success over the weekend, outlasting perennial runner-up Tom Melbourne to score by a half-length with Sixties Groove three lengths away third.
It was a sensational return to form for the the Lope De Vega gelding, which had been aimed at the Provincial Championships earlier this preparation before eventually finished eighth in the final.
Markwell has continued to take things run-by-run since the final and indicated a trip to Queensland is now a possibility after his last start win at Hawkesbury.
"The main option is probably the Doomben Cup but we aren't completely sure just yet," Markwell said.
"He has come through his win at Hawkesbury better than when he went into the race.
"He's just such a nice horse."
Archedemus has won six of his nine careers starts.
The Gold Cup was the first time Markwell had tried the lightly-raced talent over the mile, but the experienced conditioner has always suspected he would be suited by staying trips.
The 2000m journey of the Group 1 Doomben Cup makes it a suitable target for Archedemus.
The Cup will be run on Saturday, May 19.
Markwell has already won a Group 1 this season after stable star Angel Of Truth ran away with the Australian Derby on day one of The Championships.
Both Angel Of Truth and Archedemus are owned by Ross Williams' Superhorse syndicate.
"His support has been great for the stable," Markwell said. "It's been a great autumn so far."
Markwell continued her excellent season on home soil at Kembla Grange on Tuesday, with Happy Seventy providing her with a 23rd winner of the campaign at the track.
Ridden by Jason Collett, Happy Seventy ($4) ran on best down the outside to beat a game Uno That ($3.30 fav), with Cape Wickham a neck away in third in the Unanderra Conditional Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m).
"He's an honest horse," Markwell said.
"Hopefully we can get a bit of rain and he will go even better. I think he will get over further as well, getting towards 2400m."
All three of Happy Seventy's victories have come at his home track.
Racing returns to Kembla on May 11.
