The odds of a local runner taking out The Gong have lengthened, with Gwenda Markwell's stable confirming Archedemus will not run in the million dollar race.
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Archedemus entered the spring campaign with high hopes, however the six-year-old struggled in the three group races it contested.
A last-place finish in the Epsom Handicap forced the Markwell camp to reassess their plans, with owner Ross Williams stating after the race that a tilt at The Gong was on the cards.
That has not eventuated, with the horse sent for a spell instead. Archedemus is expected to be back running in the new year.
Saturday also saw the Price's hopes of contesting The Gong take a blow, with both Cuban Royale and Eugene's Pick struggling at Rosehill.
Cuban Royale finished seventh in a benchmark 78 handicap after getting held up down the straight. Eugene's Pick placed eighth over 1800m in a race won by California Longbow.
Both the Markwell and Price camps are gearing up for a busy day at Kembla Grange on Saturday, with Markwell particularly excited by a couple of her runners.
Esteem Spirit returns to Kembla Grange with high hopes after a steady run in Sydney on Melbourne Cup day, with the gelding to contest the 1400m Class Five Plate.
Markwell is also hopeful Josephus will break his maiden on Saturday, with the four-year-old coming off a third place last Tuesday.
The brother of Mandylion and half-brother of Archedemus will contest just his third race this weekend.
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
