Phillip Stokes believes his Garfield-based property has played a crucial role in producing high-quality stayers like Melbourne Cup contender Deakin.
Stokes has developed a strong relationship with Terry Henderson’s OTI syndicate, preparing multiple imports for long-distance success, including the accomplished Daqiansweet Junior and seasoned stayer Amade.
Daqiansweet Junior has already twice featured in the Cup, finishing sixth in 2022 and fifth in 2023, while Amade had an injury-plagued career but still made his mark. Yet, according to Stokes, Deakin may be the best of the bunch.
“He’s better than them (Daqiansweet Junior and Amade), but I just don’t know if he’ll get two miles. That’s the question mark, is he too brilliant for that trip,” Stokes said. “We’ll find out.”
Deakin booked his spot in the 2025 Melbourne Cup when he claimed the Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington in March, earning a golden ticket into the great race.
Following a near two-month paddock spell, Deakin has returned to work and is on track to resume in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield before targeting the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), Turnbull Stakes (2000m), and the Caulfield Cup (2400m).
“He was out in the paddock for nearly eight weeks, and had a good break,” Stokes said. “He came straight from quarantine and did it all in one preparation (last time) which is almost unheard of and that’s why Terry keeps sending me horses.”
“His first two runs will be too short for him, but I think he’ll run well in the Turnbull. I’m really happy with him, he’s come back stronger.”
Deakin impressed during his first Australian prep, notching wins at Pakenham, Moonee Valley, and Flemington across six starts, and Stokes expects natural improvement this time around.
“Just going through the previous winners of the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, it looks a traditional lead-up starting point, the Memsie. I thought that we’d try and repeat history and follow what all the good horses have done.”
Stokes added that European imports typically progress significantly at their second Australian campaign.
“I remember I had a horse called Aesop. It’s first preparation I was getting beaten in benchmark 64s at Sale and I thought ‘this horse is no good’, but the next preparation it was winning Saturday races,” he said.
“The last time Deakin was in work, he had a winter coat during the summer. He’s one that we’re very excited about.”
As the spring approaches, Deakin looms as a genuine staying talent worth keeping an eye on. For those looking to bet on Deakin’s Cup journey, check out the best options at these Australian betting sites.
