Melbourne Cup winning trainer Robert Hickmott can breathe easier in the knowledge that Revelare is safely in the field after his win at Flemington.
Success in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on Saturday has provided a ballot exemption for Australia’s most famous race, the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
Sent out the $2.90 favourite under Declan Bates, Revelare recorded a long neck victory over Mormona ($6) with Sayedaty Sadaty ($8.50) a length-and-a-quarter away third.
Hickmott, who won the Melbourne Cup with Green Moon in 2012 and Almandin in 2016, both for seven-time Cup winning owner Lloyd Williams, had set Revelare for another ‘win and you’re in’ race in the autumn, the Listed Roy Higgins.
But illness ruled him out of that contest and Hickmott had planned to target the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on October 4 as the gelding’s chance to win his way into the Cup.
But after a pleasing first-up seventh at Caulfield before taking out a 2000m race at that track on August 30, Hickmott reasoned the rise in trip to 2500m on Saturday was the right way to go.
With weights due to be released on Tuesday for the Melbourne Cup, Hickmott said he may have to talk Williams about the best way for Revelare to get to the Cup.
“One of his biggest adages was trying to beat the handicapper,” Hickmott said.
“We could cop another Group 3 win if he happened to win the Bart Cummings, but the next one’s a tricky one.
“I’m not saying he couldn’t win a Caulfield Cup but if he did and cop a two-kilo penalty, that’s something that would have to come into consideration.
“I’ll have a good chat with everyone and see which way we go.”
Hickmott said Saturday’s win would stand the stayer in good stead for his next assignment in The Bart Cummings.
“From the 1600 to his 2000 (metre) run at Caulfield he came on very quickly,” Hickmott said.
“We don’t work him hard, and you wouldn’t give two bob for him the way he works at home but he’s just a natural athlete.
“Third-up, first go 2500 (metres), we knew he’d get the trip but it’s a pretty tough 2500.
“I’m not taking anything away from his opposition but they’re probably second raters compared to what he’s going to come up against in the near future.
“His coat is probably four weeks away from coming through, he can dapple up quickly, so there’s still a lot more to come with him.
“He’ll need to keep that gradual improvement which he’s doing but I couldn’t be happier with today and Declan’s ride again was sensational.”
