Tommy Stokes ready for training partnership
Tommy Stokes credits his career advancement to a patient approach as he officially partners with his father, Phillip Stokes. The prominent Stokes name is set to appear in the race book for the first time this weekend, with Tommy expressing his readiness for the challenge, bolstered by a year of enhanced experience.
Phillip Stokes had encouraged his son to join forces for several seasons, especially after Tommy took the reins of the stable's Adelaide division just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Tommy felt he still had more to absorb before embracing the responsibility.
"Dad's asked me probably the last three or four seasons, but I just felt like I needed to learn more about the business and needed to move over to Victoria before joining in a partnership," Stokes conveyed. "I made the move about 12 months ago to Pakenham and got a season under my belt there and really feel that I'm ready now."
Tommy has an immediate prospect for his inaugural win as a trainer when Street Legal contests the opening event at Morphettville Parks, starting as the favourite. The Exceedance gelding will compete in the $50,000 PFD Food Services Maiden Plate (1250m) following six minor placings in his seven career starts.
Despite his consistent showings, Street Legal is still searching for his maiden victory, having finished third as the $1.65 favourite over 1000 metres at Morphettville Parks at his last start. "He's obviously the class runner of the field, it's just a case of him doing everything right and getting luck at the right point of the race," Stokes commented. "The step up in trip does look ideal, especially with a low draw (barrier three). It all looks positive, so hopefully it plays out that way."
Street Legal will be ridden by Noel Callow, marking a new chapter in South Australia after a period of suspension. Callow is also slated to ride Bold Secret, the favourite in Race 8, where the Stokes stable will also be represented by Australia Forever, partnered by Will Price. Price has also been booked for the emergency runner Lafont in Race 3, while Brooke King partners Nicish, the second favourite in Race 5. The stable's Victorian runners are also scheduled for Saturday action, with Rebel Tuesday set for Race 2 at Flemington and I Am Velvet entered for Race 4.
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