Melbourne Cup Confirmed for The Bart Cummings Winner Let’s Make Adeal

Talented mare Let’s Make Adeal has gained ballot-free entry into the 2015 Melbourne Cup after producing an impressive effort to beat a handy field of stayers to the line in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington.

Let's Make Adeal was too good for a classy field in The Bart Cummings. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Let’s Make Adeal was too good for a classy field in The Bart Cummings. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Let’s Make Adeal has arguably returned to racing in career-best form this year, and appeared on target to continue her good fortunes in The Bart Cummings when jumping well and settling in prime position on the heels of early leaders Wexford Town and Café Society rounding onto the back straight.

Jockey Dwayne Dunn did an excellent job of putting the mare to sleep and she experienced a great run in transit as a result; that shown most notably in the final straight when she had absolutely no issue seeing off the talent-rich field of sixteen; extending to hit the line a length ahead of an impressive Our Ivanhowe; Hawkspur hugging the rails for third.

Dunn’s ride was arguably the difference in success for Let’s Make Adeal in The Bart Cummings, and the veteran hoop was quick to lay the praise on Nigel Blackiston’s training efforts with the mare.

“Nigel said it’s her Grand Final today, and I got a really good run in transit, got out to three wide on the home bend in clean air,” Dunn said.

“I thought I might have been getting there a fraction early, but just put the foot to the accelerator and she did a good job to hold her off.

“This has been one of her targets and he (Blackiston) does a great job with his horses. The further they go the better they seem to go under his guidance.”

Blackiston has set Let’s Make Adeal for a Melbourne Cup appearance in each of her last two Spring Carnival campaigns to no avail, and was understandably thrilled to have reached the major target this time around.

“We’ve tried a long time, the last few years to get her qualified but this year we’ve done it,” Blackiston said.

“We had a great autumn – a light three runs and she performed really well and has come back bigger and stronger.

“Just needed luck. It was a beautiful ride, he got her out and gave her that lovely space she requires and she was strong.”

Blackiston was a stable foreman for the late, great Bart Cummings for seven years and was thrilled to take out the legendary horseman’s namesake race this afternoon.

“It’s certainly a very special thing. He was a great man and a great trainer,” Blackiston said.

“I spent seven lovely years with him and to win this race on his passing, I think it’s a great effort.”

Let’s Make Adeal is currently available at 2015 Melbourne Cup odds of $34 for success with Ladbrokes Australia.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.