Ciaron Maher is set to split his hand for Saturday’s Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington, with only two of his three entries expected to line up in the ballot-free Melbourne Cup qualifier.

Sayedaty Sadaty and Jennivamoose will represent the stable in The Archer, which offers the winner a golden ticket into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7. The Archer is one of 10 races across the season that provide a ‘win and you’re in’ exemption into the Cup.

Maher has had Saturday’s race earmarked for Sayedaty Sadaty, who steps to 2500m for the first time after a consistent winter. A winner at both Caulfield and Flemington, the gelding was most recently third behind Reckless Voyager at Moonee Valley over 2040m on August 9.

“I reckon he should be pretty spot on for it,” Maher said. “He’s been crying out for the 2500 metres, but I’ve just waited for this race.”

Jennivamoose arrives in peak condition, having won her past two starts over 2500m at Moonee Valley, progressing from a benchmark 78 into a Quality Handicap on August 23. Maher says confidence is the key to her current form.

“Her two runs have been very good and she seems very genuine, building through the line each time,” Maher said. “It’s a step-up, but she’s full of confidence and she’ll be well weighted.”

The third entry, 2022 Turnbull Stakes winner Smokin’ Romans, is expected to bypass The Archer in favour of the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield next week. He was last seen finishing close behind The Archer nominees Revelare and Mormona over 2000m at Caulfield on August 30.

“It was a very good run. He’s very close to a peak,” Maher said. “Even Benny (Melham) felt that with a bit more squeeze earlier he might have got there.”

Punters can follow the form and secure early odds for The Archer and the Melbourne Cup through Australia’s leading betting sites.