After Archedemus won the Group III Hawkesbury Gold Cup in 2019, he travelled to Brisbane to defeat Tom Melbourne in the Listed Members Handicap at Doomben. He is unlikely to follow a similar path after his second score in the $200,000 feature on Saturday.
While his first win came when trained by Gwenda Markwell, Archedemus is now in the stable of Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes.
With Josh Parr in the saddle, Archedemus came with a sweeping finish down the centre of the track to deny the favourite Royal Celebration (Excelebration) by a long-neck. Purple Sector (Pins) was a further two and three-quarter lengths back in third.
It was just the second start for Archedemus since capturing the $1million The Gong at Kembla Grange last November.
A homebred for Ross Williams’ Superhorse Trust, the rejuvenated 7yo son of Lope De Vega advances his record to nine wins, two seconds and a third from 24 starts with earnings of $1,158,330.
John Hawkes said they would look at the $200,000 Scone Cup (1600m) on May 14, but feared the gelding would get too much weight. He did not rule out a trip to Brisbane if they could target a suitable race, although a trip to the spelling paddocks was the most likely option.
A half-brother to the Group III-placed filly Mandylion (Nicconi), Archedemus is the best of six winners from seven to race out of the Peintre Celebre mare Carolyn's Star, who Colm Santry Bloodstock had purchased for $50,000 at the 2008 Inglis Great Southern Bloodstock Sale.
Carolyn's Star is a granddaughter of the Group 1 SAJC South Australian Derby winner Mapperley Star (Sir Tristram), a sister to Group 1 WRC New Zealand Oaks Stakes winner Royal Heights from the family of the champion Battle Heights.
Carolyn's Star has a weanling colt by Pride Of Dubai and was covered by So You Think last spring.
