Revelare has secured his place in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) after a hard-fought victory in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington.
The $2.90 favourite, ridden by Declan Bates, held off Mormona ($6) by a long neck, with Sayedaty Sadaty ($8.50) a further length away in third.
Trainer Robert Hickmott, who has won the Cup twice with Lloyd Williams-owned runners Green Moon (2012) and Almandin (2016), was relieved his stayer had gained a ballot exemption.
“One of his biggest adages was trying to beat the handicapper,” Hickmott said, adding that future targets such as the The Bart Cummings (2500m) or even the Caulfield Cup would need careful thought.
Hickmott said Revelare continues to improve with racing.
“Third-up, first go 2500 (metres), we knew he’d get the trip but it’s a pretty tough 2500,” he said.
“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.”