Trainer John McArdle is considering two potential Stakes races for the ultra-consistent Regal Zeus this weekend. The Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) or the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) at Caulfield, both on Saturday, will be the gelding’s next assignment.

Regal Zeus claimed his first Black Type win with a victory in the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo on April 12. McArdle confirmed Regal Zeus would accept in both races before deciding on the best path forward.

“He will be an acceptor up there and for the Listed Mile race down here,” McArdle said. “We’ll just have a look at both races, but the Hawkesbury Gold Cup does get you into The Big Dance, so that’s certainly a good carrot, so we’ll weigh it up and make a plan.”

Finishing in the top two in one of 32 NSW Country Cups qualifies a horse for the $3 million The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day.

Regal Zeus has been in excellent form, finishing in the top two in 10 of his past 11 starts. His only miss came at Caulfield last October, but he bounced back to win the VOBIS Gold Star at Moonee Valley shortly after.

McArdle believes the trip to Hawkesbury won’t faze Regal Zeus. “He’s a tough horse,” McArdle said. “It will be the first time he will travel if we go to Hawkesbury, but not too much bothers him.”

The Hawkesbury Gold Cup has attracted 22 nominations, with My Oberon the highest-rated, while the Anniversary Vase at Caulfield has 25 entries, headed by Pride Of Jenni.