Phillip Stokes import Deakin set for Australian debut at Ballarat

Phillip Stokes is looking forward to the Australian debut of a future Melbourne Cup hopeful at Ballarat on Saturday.

Trainer Phillip Stokes is excited to launch the Australian career of talented import Deakin, a future Melbourne Cup hopeful, on Saturday at Ballarat.

The French-bred stayer, who raced primarily in Ireland, is rated a $7 equal second favourite with Ladbrokes for the Benchmark 78 McKellar Mile (1600m) on Saturday.

Deakin has won two of nine starts and been runner-up to Crystal Black, a subsequent Group 3 winner in Ireland aimed at the Melbourne Cup this year until a minor setback derailed best laid plans.

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The lightly-raced five-year-old OTI-owned stayer has jumped out three times for Stokes ahead of the Australian debut.

“I’m really looking forward to him stepping out,” Stokes said.

“He’s had three jumpouts and they’ve all been good, he’s shown a good turn of foot for a horse that is going to get over a lot further.

“He’s still acclimatising, he’s got his winter coat here, but he’s definitely one to follow.”

Stokes has medium and longer term ambitious for Deakin, with only a light campaign planned to date.

“It’s a bit of a timing thing, I’m toying with maybe trying to get him through to an Adelaide Cup (March 10) … I’ll just see how he goes run by run,” Stokes said.

“It’ll be a quiet autumn, maybe a three or four-run preparation.”

Phillip Stokes will unveil import Deakin at Ballarat on Saturday. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Stokes has enjoyed success with OTI-owned stayers, including Amade and Adelaide Cup winner Daqiansweet Junior, who finished sixth and fifth respectively in two Melbourne Cup starts.

Deakin has a better early profile than Daqiansweet Junior.

“He’s a really nice horse,” Stokes said.

“He comes him here better credentialed than him (Daqiansweet Junior) at the same time.”

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Stokes also has Regal Secret in the $250,000 Emerging Stars Series Final (1400m).

Regal Secret was entered to race at Caulfield last Wednesday but Stokes opted for a shot at the bigger prize at Ballarat.

“1400m I don’t know but she’s a last start winner and I thought she deserved her chance,” Stokes said.

“Her work Tuesday was good.”

Stokes has a number of runners at Ballarat including Zebella in a 1200m Benchmark 78 and Tiffany Valentine in an 1100m Benchmark 74.

Two-year-old colt Norse Warrior, a dual acceptor, is set to debut in Adelaide on Saturday.

Meanwhile, OTI announced the retirement of 11-year-old stayer Amade on Thursday.

Amade had 26 starts in Australia for three wins, including the 2023 Geelong Cup.

Originally published as Phillip Stokes import Deakin set for Australian debut at Ballarat