Stokes holds strong Cup hand

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainer Phillip Stokes believes he is in a good spot to land a second win in his former hometown Cup.

While Stokes still operates a base in Adelaide under the care of his son Tom, his main stable is now at Pakenham where last year’s winner Good Idea (So You Think) and Daqiansweet Junior (NZ) (Sweet Orange) have been prepared for the Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on Monday.

Daqiansweet Junior is listed with TAB as the $4.40 favourite while Good Idea is a $17 chance.

Stokes is expecting a better performance on Monday from Good Idea after finishing last at Flemington over 2600m on March 5.

“He hadn’t raced for five or six weeks so he needed the run,” Stokes said.

“And he’s done that before, then bounced off the run.

“He wasn’t able to relax, but I’m not concerned, and I know he runs the trip which is a big thing in these 3200-metre handicaps.”

Stokes has called on Ben Thompson to ride Good Idea after partnering the gelding to victory last year.

Thompson was on Saturday suspended for four weeks for his role in the Shane Warne-owned horse Sacred Oath losing his rider Ryan Maloney in an ugly scrimmage at Ipswich last Wednesday but has deferred his suspension for nine days.

On the other hand, Daqiansweet Junior has the form on the board with four wins and a second from his last five starts, but he is untested at 3200m.

Stokes said Daqiansweet Junior was a natural stayer and gives the indication he will run it out.

“He’s been in work for ever, but he’s done most of his work at the farm which suits staying horses and he rose to a Listed race at The Valley and acquitted himself well off a slow tempo,” Stokes said.

“My gut feeling says he’ll run it, but a lot don’t, that extra 700 metres it’s a big jump and being as confident as you can be, there’s that little niggle.

“But with Good Idea, he’ll grind it out.”  

Daqiansweet Junior did his early racing in New Zealand for the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable, where he won two of his eight starts and was placed in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m).

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