Stokes stable confident Deakin is on track for Caulfield Cup
The first-up placing by Deakin at Caulfield might have been a surprise to many, but it was certainly not for trainers Phillip and Tommy Stokes.
The imported galloper secured third place at $51 odds in the Heatherlie Stakes over 1700m on August 29 and is scheduled to compete again this Saturday in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m).
Securing victory in this race offers a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17, a prestigious event where Deakin finished eighth last year.
"We thought he would run as well as what he did first-up," said Phillip Stokes.
"His trials were very good, but when we looked at the market, we were trying to work out what we missed, but he was massive first-up.
"We thought he came back in good order, and he didn't let us down."
Stokes detailed that following Deakin's initial outing, the gelding participated in a jump-out on the synthetic surface at Pakenham, crossing the line third behind stablemates Regal Award and Ferivia.
"He had a tick over jump-out last week under a good hold.
"We could not be happier with how he's progressing towards the Caulfield Cup and we'll have him there fourth-up.
"The way he's going, we feel he'll run a bold race on Saturday."
Now seven years old, Stokes indicated that Deakin has matured into a stayer and benefited from a decent break after last year's Caulfield Cup, with only one start earlier in the current year.
"Last year when he ran in the Caulfield Cup, he got buffeted a lot and it didn't work out," Stokes explained.
"He wasn't beaten all that far and we feel he's come back a more mature horse.
"We've made a few changes, he's relaxing better and I'm sure he'll run well."
Stokes also noted that despite their best efforts, Deakin continues to race with his head towards the side.
"That's just him. He's better when he gets outside horse," Stokes added.
"That's the European in him. He likes a bit of room."
With Deakin showing good form, consider placing your bets on the Naturalism Stakes at leading online bookmakers.
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