Mormona will relish the step up in trip as he bids to secure a coveted Melbourne Cup berth at Flemington this weekend.

Saturday’s Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) offers a ballot exemption to the winner, with 12 horses in the field following Thursday’s scratching of Smokin’ Romans. The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained stayer resumes in the race second-up after an eye-catching performance at Caulfield on August 30.

A proven stayer in France with a 3000-metre win, Mormona finally broke through in Australia at his 11th attempt when landing the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) in July. That victory capped a strong winter campaign, highlighted by a perfectly timed Jamie Mott ride at Flemington.

Rob Archibald said the gelding only had a short break before resuming at Caulfield, but his stamina base makes the 2500m test ideal at this stage of the prep. “He’s a natural stayer. He’s won multiple times over 3000 metres, so the further he goes the better,” Archibald said. “He came through his first-up run really well, and we were pleased with how he closed off from a tough position.”

Archibald added Mormona had benefited from a beach freshen-up and was progressing towards the spring as planned. “It’s just a matter of keeping him conditioned for the staying trips ahead. His first-up run was a tick, and hopefully he keeps improving.”

Michael Dee, who partnered the gelding at Caulfield, retains the ride in Saturday’s Archer Stakes.