Seven-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams has increased his chances of snaring Tuesday’s edition of the race after his front-running stayer Serpentine booked his place via a runner-up finish in the Archer Stakes.
Serpentine had not passed the ballot clause, but just needed to finish top three in the field of seven to shoot up to 16th in the ballot.
The former Irish galloper led the field in Saturday’s exempt 2500-metre race at Flemington and stuck on to be beaten a length by Surefire, who is not in the Melbourne Cup acceptances.
Surefire ridden by James McDonald wins ahead of Serpentine.Credit:Getty Images
Part-owner Nick Williams said he was rapt with Serpentine’s run, and the horse would back-up on Tuesday.
“Yeah he’ll run, why not? He was good,” Williams said.
“It looks like the further and further he goes, the better he’ll be.”
Surefire’s stablemate Crystal Pegasus finished third but Chris Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said Crystal Pegasus was unlikely to race in the Cup, which would cause a shuffle in the order of entry.
Alegron was also a confirmed withdrawal from the Cup after he finished a disappointing sixth of seven in the Archer, beaten more than seven lengths. Johnny Allen, who was booked to ride Alegron in the Cup, will retain the ride on Serpentine.
Saturday’s results mean Realm Of Flowers and Bendigo Cup winner High Emocean will definitely run in the Cup, and a decision on Crystal Pegasus will leave the connections of Interpretation sweating on a Cup berth.
Should Interpretation gain a start, it will give Ciaron Maher and David Eustace a fourth runner in Tuesday’s Cup.
Chapada, who had not passed the ballot clause, finished fifth in the Archer and did not gain a start in the Cup.
More to come
