Deakin’s first-up performance at Caulfield, resulting in a placing, may have been a surprise to some, but not to trainers Phillip and Tommy Stokes.

The imported galloper finished third at $51 in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) on August 29 and is set to race again on Saturday in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m).

A win here guarantees a ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17, the same race Deakin finished eighth in last year.

“We thought he would run as well as what he did first-up,” Phillip Stokes commented.

“His trials were very good, but when we looked at the market, we were trying to work out what we missed, but he was massive first-up.

“We thought he came back in good order, and he didn’t let us down.”

Stokes elaborated that since Deakin’s first-up effort, the gelding had a jump-out on the synthetic track at Pakenham, finishing third behind stablemates Regal Award and Ferivia.

“He had a tick over jump-out last week under a good hold.

“We could not be happier with how he’s progressing towards the Caulfield Cup and we’ll have him there fourth-up.

“The way he’s going, we feel he’ll run a bold race on Saturday.”

Now a seven-year-old, Stokes indicated that Deakin has matured into a stayer and has benefited from a welcome break after last year’s Caulfield Cup, with only one start prior this year.

“Last year when he ran in the Caulfield Cup, he got buffeted a lot and it didn’t work out,” Stokes said.

“He wasn’t beaten all that far and we feel he’s come back a more mature horse.

“We’ve made a few changes, he’s relaxing better and I’m sure he’ll run well.”

Stokes also noted that despite their best efforts, Deakin continues to race with his head held to the side.

“That’s just him. He’s better when he gets outside horse,” Stokes explained.

“That’s the European in him. He likes a bit of room.”

With Deakin showing promising form, it’s worth checking the betting sites for the best racing odds.