Flemington’s undercard on Saturday features The Archer Stakes, a Group 3 contest that offers the winner direct entry into the Melbourne Cup.
Revelare is the headline act, with Declan Bates retaining the ride after steering the gelding to victory at Caulfield. Regular jockey Ryan Hurdle missed that win through illness, and connections have opted to keep faith with Bates, who could ride the horse at a light weight in the spring majors.
Ciaron Maher has a strong hand with Smokin’ Romans, Sayedaty Sadaty, Jennivamoose and Wyclif, while Bur Dubai lines up for Price and Kent Jnr after a solid winter campaign.
Other contenders include Mormona, Post Impressionist, Newlook, Euphoric and Taramansour in what looms as a crucial staying test.
With a Melbourne Cup berth on offer, The Archer will be a race of significant consequence for spring aspirations.
Likely Field for the The Archer
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smokin’ Romans | C Maher | |
| 2 | Sayedaty Sadaty | C Maher | J Melham |
| 3 | Jennivamoose | C Maher | H Coffey |
| 4 | Mormona | A & R Archibald | |
| 5 | Taramansour | P Stokes | L Neindorf |
| 6 | Post Impressionist | A & S Freedman | |
| 7 | Wyclif | C Maher | |
| 8 | Revelare | R Hickmott | D Bates |
| 9 | Newlook | T Busuttin & N Young | |
| 10 | Euphoric | G Eurell | |
| 11 | Bur Dubai | M Price & M Kent Jnr | B Mertens |