The Archer 2025 Race Preview
What is The Archer 2025?
The Archer is the richest race in Regional Queensland, the standout event on the local racing calendar, run over 1300 metres at Callaghan Park in Rockhampton. With a capped field of 12 starters under set weights and penalties, it brings competitive and thrilling racing to Rockhampton.
The Archer Prize Pool
Boasting a total prize pool of $1 million, the Archer is organised by the Central Queensland Amateur Racing Club, also known as the Rocky Amateurs.
The race day has ambitions to grow even further, with plans for future increases in prizemoney tied to its ongoing success and support from Queensland Racing.
How The Archer Works…
In short it follows a similar concept to The Everest, Australia’s richest race, with a unique slot-holder format. There are twelve allocated slots in the race, and each slot holder has the option to enter their own horse or strike a deal with another owner to fill the spot.
When a slot holder partners with another owner, they negotiate terms, including how the prizemoney will be split if their horse finishes in a place where there is a payout. This structure adds a strategic layer to the race, blending business decisions with racing talent to shape the final field.
Previous Winners of the Archer
In 2024, Namazu claimed victory under jockey Ashley Butler for trainer Ricky Vale, jumping from barrier 10 and carrying 59kg. The 2023 edition saw Alpine Edge take top honours with Ben Thompson aboard.
Trained by Toby and Trent Edmonds, the horse carried 59kg from barrier 5, continuing a solid career for the son of Better Than Ready. Back in 2022, Emerald Kingdom took out the inaugural running of The Archer. Also ridden by Ashley Butler, he was trained by Robert Heathcote and jumped from barrier 2, showing his class as a 7-year-old by Bryannbo’s Gift.
Latest Odds for the Archer
Early odds for the Archer 2025 sees Transatlantic as $3.70 favourite with Iowna Merc at $4 on the next line of better. Recent Randwick winner Sandpaper is at $5 with Rustic Steel at $8.50 rounding out the fancied runners which are in single figures. Also in the market are Hell, Space Tracker, Swiss Exile and Comrade Rosa all at about $14.
Tips for the Archer 2025
The Pickabookie.com.au selections for the Archer 2025 is Space Tracker. The six-year-old is trained by Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald and is running for the Rocky Amateurs slot holders so will certainly be popular on course come race day with many of the locals. The brown gelding has been in consistent form of late and won when last out at Eagle Farm and at $14 looks a great bet.
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