In-form galloper Revelare is poised to tackle his first staying test as he lines up for a 2400m handicap at Caulfield this Saturday.

The Robert Hickmott-trained gelding has been in scintillating form, stringing together five consecutive victories after opening his campaign with a runner-up finish at Seymour in December. His winning streak includes back-to-back triumphs at Sandown before stepping up to Flemington, where he has claimed successive wins over 2000m.

Saturday’s rise to 2400m is a stepping stone toward an even longer trip, with the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington on March 29 firmly in Hickmott’s sights.

Having previously trained for seven-time Melbourne Cup winner Lloyd Williams, Hickmott is adhering to the owner’s well-known philosophy—that a horse must have a run over 2400m before tackling a similar trip at Flemington.

“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 partnered Revelare in all six of his starts this preparation, but his ability to retain the ride will hinge on the weight allocation. Hurdle, who was riding at Murray Bridge on Saturday, had his lightest engagement at 57kg and struggles to go below 56kg.

“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.”

A victory in the Roy Higgins carries significant stakes, as it provides the winner with a golden ticket—a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November.