Phillip Stokes believes his Garfield base is key to unlocking the best from emerging stayer Melbourne Cup contender Deakin.

The Irish import earned a ballot exemption with his win in The Roy Higgins (2600m) and now holds a guaranteed spot in the 2025 Melbourne Cup.

“He’s better than them (Daqiansweet Junior and Amade), but I just don’t know if he’ll get two miles,” Stokes said.

“That’s the question mark, is he too brilliant for that trip.”

After a solid first Aussie prep, including wins at Pakenham, Moonee Valley and Flemington, Deakin is tipped to take a big step forward in his second campaign.

He’ll resume in a jump-out later this month before tackling the Memsie Stakes, Makybe Diva, Turnbull and Caulfield Cup on the road to Flemington.

“Just going through the previous winners… the Memsie looks a traditional lead-up,” Stokes said.

“He’s one that we’re very excited about.”