Fresh off a win in last week's Midway at Randwick, the six-year-old took to Kembla Grange for a 2000 metres BenchMark 78.

Had it not been for a checked run at the top of the straight, Markwell may have pulled off the victory.

Read more: Cleary escapes sanction over shot that left Griffin filthy

Instead it was Chris Waller's Crystal Pegasus who prevailed, ahead of Gemmahra and Onemore Sapphire.

Jockey Joshua Parr had the mare on the rail, however there was little room to move and was left with too much work to do once he found clear air.

"She's a momentum horse and needed to be going through there without any interruption," Parr said. "I think if that was the case, she would have won. I'm disappointed, I was keen to win on her, unfortunately we haven't."

Waller racing manager Charlie Duckworth was pleased with his runner, the British import breaking through for his first win in Australia.

The stable has taken their time with the five-year-old as he found his feet in Sydney, however they're now optimistic he will kick on and contest some of the spring's big staying races.

"He was very strong to the line, he's going to stay a lot further than today's trip," Duckworth said.

"We say it time and time again and we sound pretty boring saying that they take a preparation to acclimatise, but it's really been the case with him.

"He's worked out the way of doing things down in Australia and I think he'll put a few together.

"Sky's the limit at the moment. He's beautifully bred, he brings some European stamina down with him. We'll see where he ends up."

The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.