Progressive mare Let’s Make Adeal will have her last chance to qualify for the 2013 Melbourne Cup when she contests the Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Let's Make Adeal needs to win the Lexus Stakes at Flemington on Saturday to qualify for the 2013 Melbourne Cup. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
The Lexus Stakes offers the winner ballot-exempt entry into the Melbourne Cup and is the only way that Let’s Make Adeal, who is currently 40th in the order of entry, will be able to earn a start in the final field.
Let’s Make Adeal has shown rapid improvement this campaign, after starting her preparation with a mid-week victory at Sandown, and finished fourth behind Foreteller in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington before having no luck in either the Listed Penang Trophy (1800m) in Adelaide or the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield.
The Red Ransom mare almost fell at the 2000 metre mark in the Herbert Power Stakes but battled on bravely to finish fourth behind Sea Moon.
She required a number of stiches after the race but trainer Nigel Blackiston told Racing Ahead that she had come out of the race well and said that he is very happy heading into the Lexus Stakes this weekend.
“I watched the replay several times and she just tripped over her own feet, it was just one of those stupid moments, she was lovely and relaxed and he had her in a beautiful position but she just stumbled for whatever reason,” Blackiston said.
“She ended up with six stiches but other than missing two days’ work she has come through super.
“She worked beautifully at the Valley last Thursday and again on the course proper this morning.
“She had a lovely hit-out and I’m very happy with her.”
Qualifying for the 2013 Melbourne Cup has always been the major spring goal for Let’s Make Adeal and while Blackiston remains hopeful that she can win the Lexus Stakes and make the field, he is confident that she will return next year as an even strong horse.
“We set a path for her and she was unlucky in Adelaide and certainly unlucky in the Herbert Power; she could possibly already be qualified for the Cup,” Blackiston said.
“At the end of the day if she doesn’t make it this year, she will definitely be there next year.
“Every time that I’ve asked her to step up to the plate she has taken big steps and she is improving all the time.”
Let’s Make Adeal’s spring campaign will not necessarily be over if she fails to earn a start in the 2013 Melbourne Cup; with Blackiston confirming that the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington on November 9 and Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield a week late were both potentially on the agenda.
