While Deakin’s first-up placing at Caulfield might have raised a few eyebrows, it was not a surprise for trainers Phillip and Tommy Stokes.
The imported gelding finished third in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) on August 29 at $51 and is set to return to the track this Saturday for the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m).
A victory in the Naturalism Stakes grants a ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17, a race Deakin contested last year, finishing eighth.
“We thought he would run as well as what he did first-up,” Phillip Stokes stated.
“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 revealed that since his initial run, Deakin has completed a jump-out on the synthetic track at Pakenham, finishing 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 a seven-year-old, Stokes highlighted that Deakin is a mature stayer and has benefited from a solid break following last year’s Caulfield Cup, with only one start earlier this year.
“Last year when he ran in the Caulfield Cup, he got buffeted a lot and it didn’t work out,” Stokes recalled.
“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 mentioned that despite their best efforts, Deakin continues to race with his head on the side.
“That’s just him. He’s better when he gets outside horse,” Stokes said.
“That’s the European in him. He likes a bit of room.”
With Deakin showing good form, explore the racing betting markets for the Naturalism Stakes.