A break from the usual stable environment is anticipated to help Deakin regain his winning touch in this Saturday’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
With the Cox Plate meeting scheduled for Flemington and the Moonee Valley Cup also taking place away from its traditional venue, the 2500-metre distance remains a fitting test.
Co-trainer Phillip Stokes felt it was necessary to vary the routine for the former Irish galloper, who has not won a race since March 2025 when he captured the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington over 2600m.
His spring campaign last year was halted after finishing outside the top three in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) due to fetlock concerns.
Deakin concluded his last race in eighth position, a significant margin behind the victor Juja Kibo, in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on October 6. He has drawn barrier 15, an awkward starting position for the 2500m journey at Flemington, considering the short run to the initial turn.
“We sent him up to Sydney and it didn’t work out,” Stokes commented.
“But we feel that the Moonee Valley Cup is the right race for him and it is time for him to shine in that.”
In his most recent two outings this preparation, a failure to sustain his run around the 300-metre mark from the finish has been a recurring issue.
“We have had him up at the farm a little bit and we are hoping that will turn him around and rejuvenate him,” Stokes added.
“His work (since) has been good and by race day he will be where we want.”
The predicted rain in Melbourne for Friday and Saturday should not pose any problems for Stokes or the six-year-old gelding.
Deakin is currently placed 34th in the order of entry for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 3, a prestigious event that will ultimately host a maximum of 24 runners. Explore Australian betting sites for the latest information.