Outback Joe Unlikely To Contest Sydney Cup

Trainer Nigel Blackiston has revealed that Adelaide Cup winner Outback Joe is unlikely to contest the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick on April 19.

Outback Joe scored a memorable win in the 2014 Adelaide Cup at Morphettville yesterday.

Outback Joe scored a memorable win in the 2014 Adelaide Cup at Morphettville yesterday. Photo by: Jenny Barnes.

Outback Joe made his 3200 metres debut in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup at Morphettville yesterday and clearly relished the tough staying trip; fighting off a brave Black Tycoon in the final stages of the race to score his maiden victory at Group level.

Blackiston was delighted with the performance of Outback Joe and said that the son of Elvstroem had pulled up well, but admitted that a stint in the spelling paddock was the most likely option for the six-year-old, rather than  another chance over two miles in the Sydney Cup.

“He is heading home from Adelaide as we speak,” Blackiston told Racing Ahead this morning.

“I spoke to the young girl this morning and she is very happy with how he has come through.

“We have Let’s Make Adeal heading that way (to the Sydney Cup), so if he has pulled up ok, but we might actually give him a spell.

“The horse has done a great job, but he is not a big and robust horse and I think he can have a nice break.”

Outback Joe joined the Blackiston stable in 2012, after he failed to fire in two starts in Albury and Tatura, and has made amazing progress since being prepared by the former stable foreman of Bart Cummings.

The tough gelding has now scored two black type victories and Blackiston is hopeful that the Adelaide Cup winner can continue to perform at the highest level of racing in staying events; with the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) the ultimate goal for the son of Let’s Elope.

“He is six going on seven, but the horse has only had about 23 or 24 starts,” Blackiston said.

“If we can keep him sound and everything else, I’m hoping that (owner) Dennis’s dream of having a son or daughter of Let’s Elope in the Melbourne Cup is going to happen.”

While Outback Joe is set to miss the Sydney Cup, Blackiston is still set to be represented in the race; with progressive stayer Let’s Make Adeal on track to contest the Group 1 event.

Let’s Make Adeal was far from disgraced when seventh in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday and Blackiston is confident that she can return to the winners circle during the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

“She ran terrific, she kept finding the line nicely and her sectionals were good,” Blackiston said.

“We can get her back to handicap races soon and I think that she will be winning more races.

“We will head to The BMW or The Chairman’s on the way to the Sydney Cup.”

Outback Joe is currently rated a $21 chance in 2014 Sydney Cup betting markets, while Let’s Make Adeal is available at a quote of $31.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.