Phillip Stokes and OTI Racing can now set their sights on a campaign leading up to November 4 after Deakin secured victory in Saturday’s Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington.

The imported stayer not only claimed a second consecutive Stakes triumph following his dominant win in the Listed Torney Cup, but also secured a coveted ballot exemption for this year’s Melbourne Cup, along with a $180,000 prize.

Stokes is eager to map out a path towards Australia’s most prestigious race and was delighted to see Deakin validate the confidence he has in him.

“It’s an important win, just to see how much this horse has progressed since joining us,” Stokes said.

“Earning a Melbourne Cup start is fantastic, and now we just need to plan the best route to get there.

“I’d imagine that will take us through a Caulfield Cup, but he’s an exciting horse and a privilege to train.”

Deakin, sired by Australia, has now won three of his five starts since arriving down under. He displayed grit and determination in the closing stages to outduel Berkshire Breeze in a tense finish.

The pair engaged in a gripping battle down the long Flemington straight, with Daniel Stackhouse—who has been aboard for all of Deakin’s Australian races—guiding him to victory by a neck.

Berkshire Breeze, the $6.50 second elect, finished second, while Mostly Cloudy ($7) was a further four lengths away in third.

“The early tempo wasn’t that strong, and he got a little keen since it had been over a month between runs,” Stackhouse said.

“He was eager early, but when (Mostly) Cloudy injected some pace, he relaxed much better.

“He really had to dig deep, but he showed a nice turn of foot and proved he can stay.”