Revelare books a sport in 2025 Melbourne Cup field
Robert Hickmott’s staying expertise came to the fore again as Revelare secured a guaranteed Melbourne Cup berth with victory in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington.
The $2.90 favourite, ridden by Declan Bates, held off a late surge from Mormona ($6) to score by a neck, while Sayedaty Sadaty ($8.50) filled third. The result ensures Revelare lines up in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4, a race Hickmott has won twice previously.
“We thought The Bart Cummings would be his ticket in, but he’s done it earlier than planned,” Hickmott said. “It was a tough 2500 but he handled it really well. He doesn’t work like a superstar at home, but he saves it for when it matters.”
Revelare was forced to miss the Roy Higgins earlier this year due to illness but has bounced back strongly with a Caulfield win over 2000m before Saturday’s success. Hickmott is now considering whether to run in the The Bart Cummings or look at other options, mindful of weight penalties heading into the Cup.
“If he went to the Caulfield Cup and won, he’d cop a penalty. That’s something to factor in. We’ll talk it through with the team and map the smartest route,” Hickmott said.
With his Cup spot secure, Revelare shapes as a genuine spring contender and fans can follow his journey and place early bets through Australia’s leading betting sites.
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