Tommy Stokes believes that patience has been instrumental in his progression within his racing career, as he officially enters a training partnership with his father, Phillip Stokes. The Stokes name will officially feature on the race card as a training partnership for the first time this weekend, with Tommy expressing confidence that the added experience gained over the past year has adequately prepared him for the new responsibilities.
Phillip Stokes had encouraged his son to join him for several racing seasons, particularly after Tommy took charge of the stable’s Adelaide operation just before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Tommy felt he still had more to learn before fully committing to the partnership.
“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 shared. “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 opportunity to celebrate his inaugural win as a trainer when Street Legal lines up as the favourite in the opening race at Morphettville Parks. The Exceedance gelding is set to contest the $50,000 PFD Food Services Maiden Plate (1250m) after accumulating six minor placings from his seven career starts.
Despite his consistent performances, Street Legal is still in pursuit of his maiden victory, having finished third as the $1.65 favourite over 1000 metres at Morphettville Parks in his most recent outing. “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 partnered by Noel Callow, who is commencing a fresh chapter in South Australia after returning from a suspension. Callow will also ride Bold Secret, the favourite in Race 8, where the Stokes stable will also have Australia Forever running, with Will Price in the saddle. Price has also been booked for the emergency runner Lafont in Race 3, and Brooke King will partner Nicish, the second favourite in Race 5. The stable’s Victorian team will also be competing on Saturday, with Rebel Tuesday scheduled for Race 2 at Flemington and I Am Velvet engaged in Race 4.
Compare the latest Morphettville and Flemington markets with Australia’s leading betting sites.
