Maher pair chase Melbourne Cup start in The Archer 2025
With three horses nominated, Ciaron Maher will ultimately rely on Sayedaty Sadaty and Jennivamoose in Saturday’s Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington, leaving Turnbull Stakes winner Smokin’ Romans for the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield a week later.
The Archer is one of the coveted “win and you’re in” contests for the Melbourne Cup, with the winner securing a guaranteed spot in the November 7 feature. The race follows other key qualifiers such as the Roy Higgins and Andrew Ramsden.
Sayedaty Sadaty has been targeted specifically at the 2500m after strong form over shorter distances, including a last-start third at Moonee Valley. “He’s spot on for this,” Maher said. “I’ve waited for the right time to step him up and this looks perfect.”
Jennivamoose, owned by Tony Ottobre, is full of confidence after successive Moonee Valley victories over the trip, including a Quality Handicap success on August 23. “She’s genuine, she’s strong late, and she’ll carry no weight,” Maher said. “It’s a tougher race, but she’s ready.”
Smokin’ Romans remains in good order and impressed with a close finish at Caulfield on August 30, splitting two fellow Archer nominations. Maher said: “He’s near his peak and will head to the Underwood.”
Fans and punters can secure early odds for The Archer and the Melbourne Cup through Australia’s trusted betting sites.
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