In a sport where plans often fall apart, trainer Phillip Stokes’ long-range preparation for Caulfield Cup runner Deakin has unfolded perfectly.

After winning the Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington in March — a victory that earned him an automatic start in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) — Stokes mapped out a spring campaign designed to gradually build the gelding’s fitness toward the major staying tests. Deakin now lines up on Saturday at Caulfield exactly where his trainer hoped he would be.

Although Stokes concedes the two-mile Melbourne Cup trip may test his stamina, he believes the 2400 metres of the Caulfield Cup is right in his wheelhouse.

“The horse is flying,” Stokes said.

“His last run was spot on. He needs that extra 400 metres now. I’m really happy with him.

“He’s got a nice barrier, he’ll get his chance, and he’ll give a great sight.”

Deakin comes into the race off a solid sixth placing in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m), where he sat on the speed in a slowly run contest and fought strongly through the line. That effort followed a steady progression through a 1400m run at Caulfield and a 1700m race at Flemington, complemented by a sharp 1200m jump-out at Pakenham that helped bring him to peak fitness.

“There wasn’t the speed last time, but they should go along in the Caulfield Cup, and he’s drawn to get the right run,” Stokes said.

“He was strong through the line last time and he’s come on again since the run.

“It’s all going to plan and he’s peaking at the right time.”

Punters eager to support Deakin in the Caulfield Cup or follow him toward the Melbourne Cup can explore the best odds and spring offers available at Australia’s top betting sites — among Google’s most searched destinations for horse racing markets.