Playing the long game by trainer Phillip Stokes could reap the ultimate result after rising imported staying star Deakin secured his spot in the Melbourne Cup by winning the Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2500m) at Flemington.
Sparingly raced for an eight year-old gelding, Nicconi sprinter Joyful Fortune has never lacked for talent, but an interrupted career due to injury means we don’t see him very often, but the Lindsay Park team had him ready to rock and roll at Flemington on Saturday and he duly won the Listed VRC ATA Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m).