Deakin peaking for the Caulfield Cup 2025

Phillip Stokes has managed to pull off what few trainers can — keeping a long-term spring plan perfectly on track — with his stayer Deakin heading into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) right on schedule.

The gelding earned his place in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) when winning the Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington in March, securing a golden ticket into the November 4 feature. From there, Stokes mapped out a methodical preparation designed to have the lightly raced stayer peaking at exactly the right time — and so far, everything has gone to plan.

While Stokes admits Deakin still needs to prove himself at two miles, he’s confident the 2400-metre Caulfield Cup is his ideal distance.

“The horse is flying,” Stokes said.

“His last run was spot on. He needs that extra 400 metres now. I’m really happy with him.

“He’s got a nice barrier, he’ll get his chance, and he’ll give a great sight.”

Deakin tuned up for Saturday’s assignment with a game sixth in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) behind Sir Delius, where he sat handy in a slow-run race and found the line strongly. Prior to that, he had two fitness-building runs — over 1400m at Caulfield and 1700m at Flemington — plus a sharp 1200m jump-out at Pakenham in between.

“There wasn’t the speed last time, but they should go along in the Caulfield Cup, and he’s drawn to get the right run,” Stokes said.

“He was strong through the line last time and he’s come on again since the run.

“It’s all going to plan and he’s peaking at the right time.”

With a strong lead-up and proven staying credentials, Deakin looms as one of the value runners in this year’s Caulfield Cup, and connections hope a top performance could pave the way for a shot at the Melbourne Cup next month.

Punters looking to back Deakin in the Caulfield Cup or explore early Melbourne Cup markets can find competitive odds and promotions via Australia’s top betting sites — among the most searched destinations on Google for spring racing odds and bonus offers.