Hickmott eyes third Cup with local hope

However, one of the local hopes likely to feature in the nominations is the Robert Hickmott-trained, Revelare, who continues to make strides in his trainer’s bid to win a third Lexus Melbourne Cup. The Ballarat-based horseman knows all too well what is required to get a horse to that first Tuesday in November.

Hickmott’s maiden success in the great race came with import, Green Moon. Expertly handled in the lead up, he claimed the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on the way through before partnering with Brett Prebble to take out the 2012 Cup.

Four years later Hickmott repeated the feat for Lloyd Williams’ operation when German import, Almandin got the better of Heartbreak City in an epic battle up the straight. A Group 2 winner in Germany, Almandin completed a hat trick of wins when he won the 2016 Melbourne Cup, following wins in the Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2400m) and The Bart Cummings (2500m).

Hickmott’s home-grown Revelare is shaping as one of the most intriguing local prospects for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup, having delivered several commanding performances up to 2000 metres. He also appears to have the right constitution to extend to longer distances, and Hickmott is the man for the job.

The five-year-old son of So You Think has demonstrated notable maturity this year after a late start to his racing career, both physically and mentally, solidifying his credentials with impressive victories—including a gritty win last start in a competitive Caulfield handicap when second-up over 2000 metres.

Despite being lightly raced with only ten starts, winning seven of them, his progress has been rapid and promising. After an unlucky first-up run this campaign, he rebounded at Caulfield last start, leading bookmakers to shorten his Lexus Melbourne Cup odds to $26.

In an interview with Nigel Carmody on Racing.com after his gritty win, Hickmott commented that the victory was an added bonus, with plenty of potential for improvement remaining in the big-striding gelding.

“There's plenty of improvement in the horse. So, a top five finish in my eyes would have been terrific for where we're going and that's probably a bonus win today.” Hickmott said.

“Third-up is probably where we're going to see him starting to reach that 95% fitness level.”

With Golden Ticket races on offer in the Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) on Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day (September 13) and the Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day (October 4), Hickmott has not ruled out contesting both races in a bid to secure a spot in this year’s Cup.

“(The Archer Stakes) gives us that mile and a half run going into the Bart Cummings,” he said.

Nominations for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup close at 12 noon on Tuesday, 2 September. For more information, click here.