Trainer Ciaron Maher is optimistic Sayedaty Sadaty can sneak into the Melbourne Cup field after a strong win in the Bendigo Cup (2400m).

Ridden by Harry Coffey, the gelding ($6.50) scored by a length over favourite Quietness, with Raging Bull third. The victory could see him climb the order of entry for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup (3200m), though a rehandicap may be needed to secure a start.

Maher has made the Bendigo feature a proven Cup pathway, winning with High Emocean (2022) and Interpretation (2023).

“The horse is deep into the preparation, he’s run super and we’ll see where he fits on Tuesday,” Maher said. “We always target this race… hopefully he’s another one that gets his chance.”

If Sayedaty Sadaty makes the field, Maher will need a new jockey, with Coffey committed to Onesmoothoperator.