We have Lexus Archer Stakes tips and predictions for the Group 3 2500m staying race at Flemington on Saturday where a ballot free ride into the Melbourne Cup 2026 field is up for grabs.
Lexus Archer Stakes odds have an even field with many winning hopes, and there is excellent value available.
LITZDEEL (9) loves racing at Flemington with a win and three placings from four starts, and she won her only start over this distance.
The 5YO mare doesn’t win as often as punters would like, but she’s a horse that prepares for a big run, and after two runs this campaign, she looks set to perform at her best at her favourite track.
The long Flemington straight is ideal for her racing pattern, and she showed that when running second at Caulfield last start. She would have been better at Flemington, and rising from 2000m to 2500m is a bonus.
Our Lexus Archer Stakes predictions have her winning, so the $4 odds are worth taking in the staying contest, and they could firm on race day.
| 2. Litzdeel (9) J: Blake Shinn 58.5kg 25×42T: Danny O’brien |
Leaving out a runner coming off four consecutive wins would be a mistake, so we’re not going to. NEARCO FROD (5) is loving life this year, and he keeps producing the goods.
He hasn’t taken on this level of opposition yet, but we have no doubts that he’ll handle it. The son of Hunter’s Light is bred to enjoy the longer distances, and his win over 2400m last start is a good indication of that.
He’s getting a little short in the market at $3.40, but with Craig Williams riding, we’re not surprised by the support. He’s a top winning hope, and he’ll bide his time before unleashing in the straight.
| 3. Nearco Frod (5) J: Craig Williams 57.5kg 21111T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
Our Lexus Archer Stakes predictions include SUFFOLK STAR (6), who shouldn’t be discounted simply because of her long odds.
The 6YO son of Nathaniel is bred to stay, and his fourth at Flemington last start wasn’t a bad effort. He would have preferred the sting out of the ground, so conditions should be ideal for him on Saturday.
There is a lot of wiggle room for a runner paying $31, so we’re happy to include him in picks. He will add value to Archer Stakes exotics, and after opening at $51, punters have climbed into him as a roughie chance.
We priced him at $26, so there is still value available, and upsets can happen in staying contests.
| 10. Suffolk Star (6) J: Michael Dee 54kg 5114xT: Paul Preusker |
Punters get value odds with our Lexus Archer Stakes SRM, which includes our three selected runners.
- Top 2 – No. 2 Litzdeel
- Top 3 – No. 3 Nearco Frod
- Top 5 – No. 10 Suffolk Star
We have Litzdeel Top 2, Nearco Frod Top 3, and Suffolk Star Top 5, which pays $10.50 for our three-runner SRM.
The $2.50 for Suffolk Star to finish in the Top 5 gives our multi a big boost, and he could run a big race at Flemington. Litzdeel and Nearco Frod are great chances to finish in the trifecta, so include them in picks.
| 2. Litzdeel (9) J: Blake Shinn 58.5kg 25×42T: Danny O’brien | ||
| 10. Suffolk Star (6) J: Michael Dee 54kg 5114xT: Paul Preusker | ||
| 3. Nearco Frod (5) J: Craig Williams 57.5kg 21111T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
Latest Lexus Archer Stakes 2026 Odds
| 6. Shockletz (3) J: Harry Coffey 54.5kg 34864T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 9. Think Giant (4) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 5×744T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 4. Jennivamoose (1) J: Jett Stanley 56.5kg 14×33T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 11. Beach Pad (10) J: Declan Bates 54kg 17339T: Shane Jackson | ||
| 2. Litzdeel (9) J: Blake Shinn 58.5kg 25×42T: Danny O’brien | ||
| 5. Grand Pierro (7) J: Zac Spain 55kg 8×498T: Jason Warren | ||
| 10. Suffolk Star (6) J: Michael Dee 54kg 5114xT: Paul Preusker | ||
| 7. Tajanis (2) J: Lachlan Neindorf 54kg 07305T: Charlotte Littlefield | ||
| 1. Taramansour (11) J: Daniel Stackhouse 59kg 26×80T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | ||
| 8. Chief Little Rock (8) J: Jye Mcneil 54kg x0754T: Patrick Kearney | ||
| 3. Nearco Frod (5) J: Craig Williams 57.5kg 21111T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |