Preusker's star gelding Surprise Baby stormed home late to win Saturday's the Bart Cummings and earn a golden ticket into the race that stops the nation.

A visibly emotional Preusker told the punters at Flemington it was a special moment.

"I'm a bit lost for words at the minute, so you'll have to forgive me," he said post-race. "I'd just like to thank everyone who chips in and gives me help.

"I'll grant this and I'll treasure this forever you know."

Jordy Childs took Surprise Baby down the outside with 300m to go, eventually beating Supernova and Wolfe by a length.

Preusker remained coy about the next steps.

"I think he (Surprise Baby) will learn a lot off today. He's not wound up, I'll strip him better again," he said.

"It's just a matter of getting home and letting my feet hit the ground then we'll come up with another plan.

"I'm in two minds. I don't mind going straight to it. I'll keep that open."

Preusker said racing in the Melbourne Cup was always the goal.

"I love the Melbourne Cup and I've always been at the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. It's the Melbourne Cup for me," he said.

Jockey Jordy Childs shared his delight for Presuker.

"I'm just happy for Paul and the whole team up at Horsham," he said. "They've done a great job with their horses and to help get a horse to the Melbourne Cup, it's just a massive thrill to be a part of it."

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