Ciaron Maher will be represented by Sayedaty Sadaty and Jennivamoose in Saturday’s Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington, with the stable opting to save Smokin’ Romans for another assignment.

The Archer is one of 10 ballot-free qualifiers for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and offers its winner a guaranteed start in the race that stops a nation. Previous qualifiers this year include the Roy Higgins and Andrew Ramsden.

Sayedaty Sadaty heads to the race off a third placing at Moonee Valley on August 9, with Maher confident the gelding has been waiting for the extra distance. “He’s been crying out for the 2500 metres,” Maher said. “He’s done everything right and this looks the perfect race.”

Stablemate Jennivamoose enters in flying form, having put together back-to-back Moonee Valley wins over 2500m, including a dominant effort in a Quality Handicap on August 23. Maher believes she will relish another crack at the distance. “She’s racing full of confidence and finishing her races strongly. It’s a step-up, but she deserves her chance.”

Smokin’ Romans, meanwhile, is tipped to head to next week’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield after an eye-catching effort over 2000m at Caulfield last month. “He’s very close to his peak,” Maher said.

Bettors can find early markets for The Archer and the Melbourne Cup through Australia’s premier betting sites.