The money was spot on at Rosehill on Saturday as one of Perth’s finest gallopers pulled off an impressive victory in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m).

Arcadia Queen, winner of this year’s Group 1 Kingston Town Classic at Ascot, opened as the short-priced favourite in her return to the races, adding to her undefeated first-up record.

Chris Waller’s four-year-old mare drew the inside gate in the 10-horse field and was all class racing down the straight to record a comfortable two-length victory.

After sitting fourth on the rails for most of the trip, jockey James McDonald shifted across at the 400m mark to challenge Deploy, who dictated the pace from the early goings.

With one kick, Arcadia Queen revved up to earn Waller his second win of the day, putting forward a bold claim for a spot in next month’s $14 million The Everest (1400m) at Randwick should owner Bob Peters choose to go that way.

Arcadia Queen remains at double-digit odds ahead of next month’s The Everest on October 19. Photo Credit: Steve Hart.

“I’ll have a good chat to (Bob), he knows the horses better than me. Our plan was not to overrace her and I don’t want to take the speed out of her because we’ve got an Everest over 1200m. I don’t think she’ll be running again but I’ll have a chat to him” Waller said following Saturday’s win.

Saturday marked McDonald’s first ride on Arcadia Queen after taking over from long-time Perth hoop William Pike.

McDonald said after the race he had very little work to do on the champion four-year-old, which excites him for a big Spring ahead.

“She’s a star alright. She’s very push button, she knew it was race day today. She settled nicely in behind the leaders and gave her trademark turn of foot. She’s beautiful to ride and I love how she pins the ears back and has a good crack – a bit like the horse I won this race on (Winx)” McDonald went on to say.

Arcadia Queen remains steady on the third line of betting at $10.00 in Ladbrokes’ All-In Everest market.

Waller, meanwhile, also thinks she is in great condition for big things ahead.

“I saw a good tough horse that I could see would improve as she got into her work. They sent her over very early so we’ve had the whole prep to learn about her. We haven’t pressed the button on her, I swear. She’s certainly got a motor there” Waller said.

2019 Theo Marks Stakes Results & Finishing Order