9 THE GOLDEN TICKET EFFECT Deakin’s victory in the Listed Lexus Roy Higgins in March was more than just a great result. It secured the first golden ticket to the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup, giving trainer Phillip Stokes and OTI Racing a clear path to one of the world’s great races. In just his third start from five since arriving from overseas – and his second consecutive Stakes victory after a dominant display in the Torney Cup – Deakin’s win granted his connections the luxury of a more measured campaign leading up to November 4 2025. “This ticket means we can actually concentrate on going to the race without the horse being re-handicapped,” said OTI’s Terry Henderson. “If we didn’t have that golden ticket, we’d be on the cusp. We’d have to go to another race, maybe win again – but be carrying extra weight. That reduces your chances in the race itself.” In the Lexus Roy Higgins, Deakin (who is by the stallion Australia) fought tooth and nail down the Flemington straight. Jockey Daniel Stackhouse, who has ridden him in each of his local runs, guided him home to win by a neck over Berkshire Breeze. Mostly Cloudy was four lengths away in third. “Now that we’ve won the race,” said assistant trainer Shae Dinunzio, “the whole spring campaign is a bit more relaxed. We can plan back from the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup … work out when we need to have him back in to work, what races to target, and make sure he’s peaking on those two days.” ABOVE: Deakin holds on despite the efforts of Berkshire Breeze to win the Lexus Roy Higgins. (Pat Scala/ Racing Photos) OPPOSITE: Jockey Daniel Stackhouse was delighted to claim the first golden ticket of 2025 for connections. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)
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