Revelare achieved the hardest part of his Melbourne Cup mission in Saturday’s Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m).

Getting a start in Australia’s greatest race is extremely difficult but Revelare‘s connections no longer need to worry about that after the gelding earned a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption with his Archer Stakes win.

Revelare’s narrow win over Mormona provided Ballarat trainer Robert Hickmott with a chance to win his third Melbourne Cup after combining with powerful owner Lloyd Williams to win with Green Moon (2012) and Almandin (2016).

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Hickmott said his time with Williams formed a crucial part of his career, learning about the traits of high-class stayers.

“It’s all due to Lloyd Williams,” Hickmott said.

“I’m lucky to have ever met Lloyd and have that experience and exposure to good horses.”

Revelare’s charge towards the Melbourne Cup started with a second in a Seymour maiden late last year before showing his potential with five straight wins early in the year.

The son of So You Think won at Caulfield second-up before allaying Hickmott’s concerns about the gelding’s first start past 2000m with a strong win.

Hickmott said Revelare was a lazy trackworker but belied that trait on race day.

REVELARE 🎫

A golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup for this emerging stayer who will be one of the best local chances in the great race 🏆 pic.twitter.com/56FCh8KULm

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 13, 2025

“We don’t work him hard, you wouldn’t give two bob for him the way he works at home but he’s just a natural athlete,” Hickmott said.

Hickmott said things would probably get harder for Revelare as the Melbourne Cup drew closer.

However, he said he could consult his mentor Williams to determine the best way to get Revelare fit enough for the Melbourne Cup without risking a weight penalty.

“I might have to have a chat to Lloyd,” Hickmott said.

“One of his biggest adages was trying to beat the handicapper.”

Hickmott will learn Revelare’s Melbourne Cup weight when handicaps are released on Tuesday morning.

Revelare moved to $13 in the latest Melbourne Cup betting after his Archer Stakes win.