Melbourne Cup hopeful Bur Dubai faces a crucial test in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Victory would secure the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained gelding a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7.

Bur Dubai is part-owned by the MyRacehorse No 1 syndicate, with trainer Mick Price saying: “There’s only around 8000 people waiting for a shot at the Cup.”

The six-year-old has had two solid runs this campaign, including a closing second over 2040m at Moonee Valley last month.

“He goes to the Archer and has not put a foot wrong this time in,” Price said.

A former UK galloper, Bur Dubai has already won at 2500m in Australia and Price believes the big Flemington track will suit.

If unsuccessful, he is likely to press on to the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) on October 4.