Leading Sydney jockey James McDonald may have found his Melbourne Cup mount after steering Antiquarium to victory in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.

Godolphin's retained Australian rider, who is in England on an extended visit, brought the Charlie Appleby-trained Antiquarium with a late run to claim the prestigious 3200m-race at Newcastle on Saturday (Sunday (AEST).

Antiquarium's win for Godolphin denied local trainer Brian Ellison a much sought-after victory with Seamour who was backed into favouritism.

"Maybe there's a good one in mind in early November (Melbourne Cup)," McDonald said.

"He showed a really good turn of foot which we like Down Under."

"He's travelled very sweetly through the race, and though the runner-up got away I always thought I had a chance."

The race was run on the new Tapeta surface but Appleby said he thought Antiquarium could be just as effective on turf.

Ellison said Seamour was likely to head to the Ebor or the Lonsdale Cup at York for his next start.

Last year's Melbourne Cup runner-up Max Dynamite will also head to the Lonsdale Cup in a bid to defend his title.