Deakin on track for Caulfield Cup and 2025 Melbourne Cup
Deakin’s formline this spring might look modest at first glance, but trainer Phillip Stokes says the stayer is right where he needs to be for the bigger prizes ahead.
He resumes his ascent in Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, a pivotal stepping stone toward both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup.
Stokes has adjusted the preparation to fine-tune fitness—going so far as to squeeze in an extra jump-out to tighten the screws.
Crucially, Deakin already holds a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption courtesy of his March win in The Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington, taking the qualification pressure off this spring.
The initial roadmap targeted the Memsie Stakes (1400m) on August 30 and the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) two weeks later, but connections opted for easier assignments on those dates—1400m at Caulfield and 1700m at Flemington—to build a stronger conditioning base.
Since then, Deakin has also won a 1200m Pakenham jump-out to keep him sharp.
“I felt he was doing too well so I had to screw him down a bit more,” Stokes said of the Pakenham jump-out.
“He trialled up nice and he’s thriving, but this is where we get serious now, these next two runs.”
Stokes expects the 2000m to be ideal at this stage of the campaign. He’s wary of the rivals but buoyed by the horse’s progression into the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18 and the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4.
“On his data from his first-up run to his second-up run he improved six lengths and to be competitive in the Caulfield Cup he needs to find another five lengths which I think we can do,” Stokes said.
“He’ll run well in the Caulfield Cup and then we’ll see if he can stay the two miles in the Melbourne Cup, but I couldn’t be happier.
“He’s dropping the bit now, he’s relaxing probably better than last prep in his gallops so I’m quietly confident he’ll be OK and stay the trip.”
Thinking of a flutter on the Turnbull Stakes? Check the best betting sites, trusted betting apps and top Australian bookmakers first.
More Racing News
Michael Freedman seals brilliant day with Cinsault's stakes success
Michael Freedman's bold "Hail Mary" gamble succeeded when his peak-condition mare Cinsault claimed stakes company for the first time in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) held at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.Owned by Godolphin, Cinsault had previously notched three wins from four summer starts in lesser company prior to Freedman entering...
Oakleigh Plate victory makes Sam Freedman's 30th birthday special via Tropicus
Tropicus gave trainer Sam Freedman a memorable Group 1 present on his 30th birthday.This four-year-old Too Darn Hot gelding claimed his debut top-flight win by powering clear of competitors in the $750,000 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) held at Caulfield on Saturday.Freedman and his father Anthony, co-trainers, had Tropicus as their secondary...
Ninja lands Hobartville Stakes after tough Magic Millions run
Putting the agony of an unfortunate defeat in the Magic Millions Guineas behind him, Ninja has notched up wins against prominent foes to capture the Group Two Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.In his last start at the Gold Coast, the colt raced wide due to his outside gate but battled gamely,...
Streisand triumphs in Caulfield's Blue Diamond Stakes
Clinton McDonald has reclaimed his status as 'King of the Kids' for the second time in three years, courtesy of Streisand's victory in Victoria's leading two-year-old event at Caulfield.The trainer took the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) two years back with the tragic Hayasugi, and it was again a...
Ambitious plans ahead for Piggyback following Rosehill success
Consistent long-distance runner Piggyback has positioned herself for a potential Group One weight-for-age challenge during autumn after a dominant performance in the Parramatta Cup at Rosehill.Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord to Ciaron Maher indicated various paths forward for the five-year-old mare, among them the Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill come March...
Futurity Stakes delivers Pericles breakthrough Group 1 success
The resilient gelding Pericles shed his Group 1 maiden status by grabbing a well-deserved top-level victory in the $750,000 Futurity Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield.Six heartbreaking placings at the highest grade—including a runner-up effort in the Futurity Stakes two seasons prior—were put behind him as the Street Boss six-year-old saluted...
Dominant Silver Slipper win catapults Stretan Ruler towards Golden Slipper
Phillip Stokes, the Pakenham trainer, admitted to getting disoriented at Rosehill Gardens, yet his exceptional colt Stretan Ruler navigated straight to an authoritative triumph in Saturday's Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m).Stretan Ruler demanded respect by blistering around the 1100m in 1:03.64s, finishing 3-1/2 lengths clear of Sydney's leading juveniles."I...
Buckaroo welcomes Jye McNeil for Futurity Stakes return
Cox Plate placegetter Buckaroo will have jockey Jye McNeil back on board for his opening outing of the autumn series at Caulfield.The gelding heads into the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, piloted by McNeil.In the gelding's tally of 31 career starts, McNeil has only been aboard...
Walker team warming to Geegees Mistruth ahead of Caulfield feature
Mark Walker's Cranbourne stable has developed an increasing fondness for Geegees Mistruth the longer she has been in their care.The four-year-old, bred in Tasmania, transferred to the Walker outfit last spring following preparation by Stuart Gandy.With six successes in 15 races, Geegees Mistruth remains without a mainland triumph, but hopes...
Berry confident in Ninja's Hobartville Stakes bid
Premier jockey Tommy Berry reckons a Queensland summer campaign has reshaped the previously unruly Ninja, placing his trust in the gelding to match the top three-year-olds at Rosehill.During his Queensland stint, Ninja raced three times, claiming victory in the Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm and battling from a...