The one-time Caulfield and Melbourne Cup hope Deakin is all set to make his much-anticipated return at Morphettville this Saturday in the Group 3 Cummings Stakes (field here).
Having enjoyed a good break following the spring and an extended grounding throughout the autumn, our dual-Listed winning son of Australia appears to have come back in excellent order. The Stokes team has taken a patient approach with him this preparation and, pleasingly, he has returned sound, healthy and moving as well as ever. A short, sharp campaign is planned this time in before our attention again shifts toward the spring.
Well weighted, a good return performance is expected first up on Saturday in what shapes as a very open contest on paper. Historically, Deakin has always improved with a run under his belt and there is every indication he could be ready to make his presence felt second up in a race such as the 2000m Listed Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill on May 30.
While it was naturally disappointing not to see him tested in last year’s Melbourne Cup, we remain very optimistic about what lies ahead. He is still a relatively lightly raced stayer and, based on the way he has returned this preparation, we are confident his best racing can still be in front of him.
We wish our loyal connections all the very best of luck this Saturday and look forward to seeing Deakin back where he belongs.