In form galloper Revelare is expected to have his first try at a staying trip at Caulfield.
A winner at his past five starts, Revelare is down to contest a 2400m handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.
Revelare has continued his climb up the ranks this preparation after kicking it off with a second-place finish at Seymour in December.
The Robert Hickmott-trained galloper has since gone on a five run winning streak, including dual wins at Sandown and his past two at Flemington, both over 2000m.
The step up to 2400m on Saturday is a part of Hickmott’s bigger picture with the potential to go to the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington on March 29.
Hickmott, who trained for seven-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Lloyd Williams, has the owner’s words ringing in his ears.
The trainer disclosed that Williams said a horse needs a run at 2400m before running at a similar trip at Flemington.
So, with the Roy Higgins in mind, Hickmott is planning on Saturday’s 2400m outing.
“It’s a nice little progression and all going well he’ll go there,” Hickmott said.
“Depending on what weight he gets will determine who rides him.”
Ryan Hurdle has ridden Revelare in all six starts this campaign but struggles to ride below 56kg.
Hurdle rode at Murray Bridge on Saturday where his lightest ride was 57kg.
“If he gets Ryan’s weight, he’ll ride him, but if he doesn’t, I’m sure there will be a few putting their hands up to ride him,” Hickmott said.
“Anything below 56 (kilos) will probably pull Ryan up, but he’s been over in Adelaide, and it’s been pretty warm over there, so we’ll see how he goes.
“The Roy Higgins will be the next target, but first we’ll see how he comes through this run.”
Victory in the Roy Higgins provides the winner a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November.
