Robert Hickmott is once again on the Melbourne Cup trail after Revelare booked his spot with victory in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington.

The $2.90 favourite, guided perfectly by Declan Bates, prevailed by a long neck over Mormona ($6) with Sayedaty Sadaty ($8.50) a further length-and-a-quarter behind in third. The result secured Revelare an all-important ballot exemption for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4.

For Hickmott, a two-time Cup winner with Green Moon (2012) and Almandin (2016) in the famous Lloyd Williams colours, this was another carefully plotted campaign. Originally targeted at the Roy Higgins earlier this year, illness forced a change of plans, and the gelding instead peaked at the right time on Saturday stepping out to 2500m third-up.

“We knew he’d stay all day, but it was still a tough 2500,” Hickmott said. “He’s a natural athlete. You wouldn’t give two bob for him the way he works at home, but he saves it for raceday. Declan gave him a peach and there’s still plenty of improvement to come.”

The trainer is now weighing up options with the Group 3 The Bart Cummings on October 4 the likely next stop. Hickmott acknowledged that winning again could complicate his Cup weight. “You’ve always got to think about the handicapper. We’ll have a good chat about whether the Caulfield Cup fits in or whether we just stick to the plan,” he said.

Revelare’s win continues Hickmott’s reputation for producing stayers ready for the big stage, and punters can follow his Cup path and other spring features with early markets available through Australia’s leading betting sites.