All eyes will be on Bur Dubai at Flemington this weekend as the gelding chases a Melbourne Cup berth in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m).

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained stayer is a live chance to snare a ballot exemption into the $8 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7. His ownership group, the MyRacehorse No 1 syndicate, features thousands of racing fans who are enjoying the ride. “There’s only around 8000 people waiting for a shot at the Cup,” Price joked.

Price said Bur Dubai deserves his place in the field after a pair of strong Moonee Valley efforts — a first-up seventh over 1600m and a fast-finishing second over 2040m. “He goes to the Archer and has not put a foot wrong this time in,” he said. “He has got a big, clean-winded tank on him that horse, and I think he’ll show up, it’s just a matter if he’s good enough. Training-wise, we are sailing through unincumbered by any issues. He’s a happy horse. He’s very fit, and he doesn’t carry a lot of body weight on him at this point of his career.”

Imported from Europe, Bur Dubai had already won at 2514m at Chester before arriving in Australia. Locally, he announced himself with a second to Revelare at Flemington before winning at The Valley over 2500m. Price is confident a return to the spacious Flemington track will play to his strengths.

If Saturday doesn’t secure him a Cup ticket, the gelding is likely to be seen in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings at Flemington on October 4.