Ciaron Maher is hopeful that Sayedaty Sadaty has done enough to move closer to securing a start in the Melbourne Cup following his determined victory in the Bendigo Cup.

Before Wednesday’s running of the Bendigo Cup (2400m), the imported stayer was positioned 35th in the ballot for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup (3200m). Although the victory will lift him in the order of entry, Maher acknowledged that the gelding may still require a rehandicap to officially secure a starting position.

Ridden patiently by Harry Coffey, Sayedaty Sadaty ($6.50) produced a strong staying performance to defeat favourite Quietness ($3.30) by one length, with longshot Raging Bull ($61) finishing third.

This was Maher’s third win in the Bendigo Cup in the past four years, and history suggests the race provides a reliable pathway to Cup week success. Interpretation ran sixth in the Melbourne Cup after winning in 2023, while High Emocean finished third in the 2022 Cup. Last year’s winner, Sea King, ran 14th in the big race at his next start.

Sayedaty Sadaty arrived in Australia ahead of last year’s spring carnival and contested the Caulfield Cup, but Maher said the horse was never comfortable so soon after travelling.

This preparation has been built around settling and conditioning him for a potential Cup assignment. He placed when leading in the Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington earlier this campaign, before fading in The Bart Cummings when the tempo changed sharply mid-race.

“The Archer run was very good and then that next one, it just didn’t suit him that race shape at all when the other horse took off,” Maher said.

“It can bottom a horse when they’re in a race like that but that’s why I’m just rapt for the team.

“The horse is deep into the preparation, he’s run super and we’ll see where he fits on Tuesday.

“We always target this race, and the horses have run well (in the Melbourne Cup) that have run well in this race…High Emocean, Interpretation.

“Hopefully this horse is another one. We’ll just tick him over now and hopefully he gets a spot.”

If Sayedaty Sadaty does sneak into the Cup field, Maher will need to book another jockey, with Coffey already committed to Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Onesmoothoperator.

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