Following his impressive victory in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington, Deakin will bypass the G1 Sydney Cup and head to the paddock for a break, trainer Phillip Stokes has confirmed.
This decision, made in consultation with OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson, focuses on a spring campaign aimed at the G1 Caulfield Cup and G1 Melbourne Cup.
“Our son of Australia has come into his own during his first preparation Down Under, and we are looking forward to Deakin proving himself as a genuine Cups contender in the spring.” Stokes said
The five-year-old has emerged as a promising stayer since arriving in Australia and connections are hopeful he will rise to the challenge of the major spring races.