Dual Cox Plate winning sire So You Think will have a runner in the Melbourne Cup this year and it’s progressive stayer Revelare, who secured his place in the race that stops the nation with a stylish victory in the $300,000 Group III VRC Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Trained by Robert Hickmott and ridden by Declan Bates, Revelare was stepping out beyond 2000m for the first time in his life and he relished the task.
A big imposing individual, he cuts an impressive figure in the mounting yard and Revelare has the big motor to match that big frame.
He ambled up to the leaders at the furlong and kept up a strong gallop to the line to win by half a length as favoruite over the talented import Mormona (FR).
Robert Hickmott had his horse ready to go today, but there is more improvement to come.
“From the 1600 to his 2000 (metre) run at Caulfield he came on very quickly. 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,” said Hickmott.
"Third up, first go 2500 (metres), we knew he'd get the trip but It's a pretty tough 2500. I'm not taking anything away from his opposition but they're probably second raters compared to what he's going to come up against in the near future, but this horse, his coat is probably four weeks away from coming through, he can dapple up quickly, there's still a lot more to come with him.
“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."
Declan Bates was in agreement that the best is still to come from Revelare.
“I think I gave myself goosebumps there, or he did. We talked coming here up in trip back to Flemington that we would see an improvement again, and yeah, that was surely the case,” he said.
"Just the way he took me there again, he just travels like a good horse, and I believe he's a very good horse.
"You certainly wouldn't be swapping. him for anything. As I said, he's just got all the attributes. He's a big, powerful animal, he's tactically versatile, and he's got more improvement to come."
Revelare was a $130,000 Inglis Premier purchase for his trainer from the Daisy Hill draft and has already banked nearly $550,000 in prizemoney with eight wins and a second from 11 starts.
Bred by Colleen and Kevin Bamford, who retain a share in his ownership, Revelare is certainly bred for long distances being the best of three winners from Reveal the Goddess, a 2400m winning Zabeel mare that is a sister to stakes-placed Sheezababe from Group I AJC Sydney Cup winner Honor Babe.
Revelare is the 64th stakes-winner for So You Think, who is exceptional value this spring at Coolmore at a fee of $44,000.
