Symon Wilde’s in-form stayer Dashing Duchess aims for a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup by competing in the Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Dashing Duchess out to secure Cup berth in Archer Stakes
Symon Wilde believes that moving the Archer Stakes (2500m) to this Saturday at Flemington, with its golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) for the winner, couldn’t have come at a better time for Dashing Duchess.
“She’s in form and up and running. She deserves a shot in a race like this,” Wilde told Racing.com.
Dashing Duchess has won her past two starts comfortably at Moonee Valley, including her latest in a Quality Handicap over 2500 metres.
“She’s tracking the right way. She’s got a nice profile for an up-and-coming staying horse. She’s in form at the right time. I think she’s now got enough runs under her belt to compete at that level,” Wilde said.
“We’re hopeful and excited. She’s surprised us a little. We’ll be interested to see what level she gets to, so we’ll get a great guide in The Archer.
“If we were to win, then we’d definitely take up the option of heading to the Melbourne Cup.”