Minor alteration to program for Deakin
Phillip Stokes has adjusted Deakin’s spring campaign kick-off, with the stayer to avoid the star-studded Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in favour of the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (1400m) on the same program.
Originally pencilled in to resume in the Memsie, Deakin will instead line up in the benchmark 100 event before progressing to his main spring targets, including the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, Group 1 Turnbull Stakes and Group 1 Caulfield Cup, with the ultimate aim being the Group 1 Melbourne Cup on November 4.
“I didn’t realise there was a benchmark 100 over the same trip on the same day,” Stokes said.
“I doubt he could win either race, so the benchmark 100 is an easier race, so we’ll kick him off in that and he’ll get just as much benefit from it.
“I didn’t think he needed a real high-pressure 1400-metre race to start off in, so we’ll switch to that and then revert to our original plan.
“Everything is all good, and we don’t have to pay a fortune to accept.”
Deakin’s ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup is already secured courtesy of his victory in The Roy Higgins (2600m) earlier this year.
While Stokes admits wet conditions aren’t ideal, he expects Deakin to be hitting the line late regardless.
“He’s better on top of the ground,” Stokes said.
“His first trial (this campaign) was on the wet and he didn’t really like it, but I couldn’t be happier with the way the horse is going.
“His work on Tuesday was very sharp.”
Punters looking ahead to Deakin’s spring run towards the Melbourne Cup can find futures markets and offers at Australia’s leading betting sites.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...