Tommy Stokes attributes his career progression to patience as he officially enters a training partnership with his father, Phillip Stokes. The familiar Stokes name will debut in race books this weekend, with Tommy expressing confidence that his accumulated experience over the past year has equipped him for this significant challenge.
Phillip Stokes had extended invitations to his son for several seasons, particularly after Tommy assumed control of the stable’s Adelaide operations just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Tommy felt a need for further tutelage before stepping into a partnership.
“Dad’s asked me probably the last three or four seasons, but I just felt like I needed to learn more about the business and needed to move over to Victoria before joining in a partnership,” Stokes stated. “I made the move about 12 months ago to Pakenham and got a season under my belt there and really feel that I’m ready now.”
Tommy has an immediate chance to record his first victory as a trainer with Street Legal, who is the favourite in the initial race at Morphettville Parks. The Exceedance gelding is set to compete in the $50,000 PFD Food Services Maiden Plate (1250m), having secured six minor placings from his seven previous starts.
Despite his consistent performances, Street Legal is still awaiting his first win, having finished third as the $1.65 favourite over 1000 metres at Morphettville Parks in his most recent outing. “He’s obviously the class runner of the field, it’s just a case of him doing everything right and getting luck at the right point of the race,” Stokes remarked. “The step up in trip does look ideal, especially with a low draw (barrier three). It all looks positive, so hopefully it plays out that way.”
Street Legal will be guided by Noel Callow, who is embarking on a new phase in South Australia following a period of suspension. Callow is also scheduled to ride Bold Secret, the current favourite in Race 8, a race where the Stokes stable will also field Australia Forever, with Will Price in the saddle. Price has also been engaged for the emergency runner Lafont in Race 3, and Brooke King will partner Nicish, the second favourite in Race 5. The stable’s Victorian contingent will also be active on Saturday, with Rebel Tuesday contesting Race 2 at Flemington and I Am Velvet entered for Race 4.
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