The first of three Group 2 support acts on Flemington’s Makybe Diva Stakes Day card in Melbourne on Saturday is the 2016 Danehill Stakes, betting tips and the latest odds for which are found below.

Archives (inside) is the Races.com.au tip to win the 2016 Danehill Stakes at Flemington this weekend in Melbourne. Photo: Daniel Costello.

Running as Flemington Race 5 at 2:50pm (AEST), a dozen three-year-olds are engaged for this year’s $200,000 Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m).

Peter & Paul Snowden’s Group 3 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200m) winner at Caulfield a fortnight back, Defcon, leads the latest Danehill Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au paying $4.20.

Jockey Dwayne Dunn has some doubts about how the Choisir colt will travel from the inside alley in the Group 2 clash, but the bookies are taking no chances.

Four other runners are under double-figures in the Danehill Stakes betting markets including the Group 2 winning Kiwi raider Saracino ($7).

So will Defcon get the job done for the punters or is there value tipping an upset Danehill Stakes result?

1^st

#4 Archives ($7.50)

Early money is coming for the returning John O’Shea-trained Archives who is first-up as a three-year-old. A beautifully-bred son of Helmet, the colt has had two starts to date including the Listed Hampden Stakes (1200m) win at Doomben back in May. He has trialled twice since in Sydney, Saturday his first in Melbourne. If he handles this way of going, top hoop Craig Williams can ride him home. Wide alley (10 of 12) at the track a non-issue and odds are good.

2^nd

#3 Saracino ($7)

Rain is falling in Melbourne ahead of the weekend and the wetter the track the better for the Australian debut of this smart Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman-trained New Zealander. Damien Oliver has gun form on this day and jumps on the Per Incanto colt who is Group 1 placed in NZ and was last seen winning the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at home in mid-August. Right distance, straight should suit and the rain is the big plus.

3^rd

#2 Trenchant ($31)

Smokey in the field adding value to exotics is O’Shea’s other runner, Medaglia D’Oro colt Trenchant who has won both previous starts at Flemington over 1400m and 1600m respectively. A stakes’ winner at the track last time out in the winter. Yet to win over less than 1400m, but first-up should be fresh enough for the sprint at the juicy price.

Whether you’re backing or sacking our insider Danehill Stakes 2016 betting tips, make sure you get the guaranteed best odds online through Ladbrokes.com.au.