Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 4:39 pm GMT
As the countdown to the 2024 Melbourne Cup begins, attention is shifting toward Saturday’s $300,000 Group 3 Archer Stakes at Flemington. This race offers a coveted “golden ticket” to the prestigious Melbourne Cup, and trainers are optimistic about their contenders vying for a chance to participate in the $8.5 million event on November 5.
Rising Star: Dashing Duchess
Trainer Symon Wilde expressed confidence in his horse Dashing Duchess, who is set to compete in the Archer Stakes. “She’s in form and up and running. She deserves a shot in a race like this,” Wilde commented, highlighting Dashing Duchess’s two recent victories at Moonee Valley, including a notable performance in a Quality Handicap over 2500 meters. Dashing Duchess has shown significant improvement and has developed a reputation as a promising stayer.
Wilde believes that Saturday’s race is well-timed for Dashing Duchess, who has been training consistently and now has ample experience to take on higher competition. “She’s tracking the right way. She’s got a nice profile for an up-and-coming staying horse,” he added. “We’re hopeful and excited.” Should Dashing Duchess win the Archer, Wilde indicated that they would seriously consider entering her in the Melbourne Cup, depending on her performance at Flemington this weekend.
The Challengers: Experienced Competitors
Wilde is not the only Warrnambool trainer preparing for the Archer Stakes. Lindsey Smith will also field a contender in Horrifying, who has secured two recent victories at Flemington. “We’ve nominated Horrifying for the Melbourne Cup,” Smith stated, expressing his hopes for a strong performance in the upcoming race. He noted that a win in the Archer Stakes would guarantee a starting position in the Melbourne Cup.
In addition to Horrifying, trainer Amy Small has nominated Dunleer Lad for the Melbourne Cup, despite the horse’s lack of prior wins. “I just thought I would put in an entry for the Melbourne Cup and see how far we can go,” Small remarked, indicating her ambition to have a runner in this iconic event. Dunleer Lad is expected to make his debut under Small’s training in the coming weeks.
The Path to the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is highly regarded in the horse racing calendar, and with only a few weeks to go, trainers are eager to refine their plans. Symon Wilde’s Dashing Duchess is an emerging contender, and he is optimistic about her chances in the Archer. “Three weeks between runs works out nicely for her,” he explained, suggesting that the timing could be advantageous as she vies for a spot in the Cup.
The importance of the Archer Stakes cannot be overstated. Winning this race not only boosts a horse’s profile but guarantees entry into one of the most prestigious races in the world. As the first acceptances for this year’s Melbourne Cup close on October 1, trainers are keeping a close eye on the performances of their horses.
Future Plans for Other Contenders
Alongside Dashing Duchess and Horrifying, Wilde’s stablemate Aurora’s Symphony has also been nominated for the Melbourne Cup. Although Wilde is focused on the immediate challenge of the Archer, he maintains that Aurora’s Symphony could take part in the Geelong Cup and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes as part of his training schedule. Wilde confirmed that he would monitor both horses closely as they prepare for the Melbourne Cup.
With anticipation building in Warrnambool and across the racing community, the stakes are high. The performance in the Archer Stakes could redefine the paths of these horses heading into the Melbourne Cup season, stimulating excitement among trainers, owners, and fans alike.
Other Notable Entries
The competitive environment of the upcoming Archer Stakes is further enhanced by other entrants, including Tuvalu, trained by Lindsey Smith. Smith is contemplating entering Tuvalu in the $3 million Champions Mile at Flemington. After a successful 2022 season and a significant victory in the Wangoom Handicap, Smith is optimistic about Tuvalu’s potential as he resumes training following a minor setback.
With eight races scheduled during the Warrnambool meeting on Thursday, September 12, the excitement continues to build as participants prepare for crucial contests leading up to the Melbourne Cup, setting the stage for thrilling racing action.
Racing Community Engagement
In addition to preparations for the Cup, the Warrnambool Racing Club is experiencing active community engagement. Membership nominations for four committee positions closed recently, showcasing the local support for equestrian events. Of the candidates, Dallas Ludeman seeks re-election, with voting closing on October 17 ahead of the annual general meeting on October 18.
The racing world is getting ready for the Melbourne Cup, and the next few weeks are super important for trainers and their horses. They need to do their best to earn a place in one of Australia’s biggest racing events. The Archer Stakes is more than just a race to qualify; it’s a big chance for many competitors who want to win the Melbourne Cup.
