Deakin’s first-up placing at Caulfield may have surprised some, but it was not unexpected for trainers Phillip and Tommy Stokes.

The imported gelding finished third at odds of $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 would secure a ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17, a race in which Deakin secured eighth place 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 mentioned that since Deakin’s initial run, the horse participated in a jump-out on Pakenham’s synthetic track, 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 stated that Deakin is a mature stayer who benefited from a good spell following last year’s Caulfield Cup and only one subsequent start earlier this year.

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

“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 added that despite their 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.”

Considering Deakin’s form, punters are keen to back him in the Naturalism Stakes with a view to the Caulfield Cup at top Australian betting sites.