Mutiple runners across three states are nothing new for dual-state horseman Phillip Stokes.
But Saturday shapes as one of the biggest days his Pakenham and Morphettville stables has encountered.
They have eight runners at Morphettville, led by Instant Celebrity in the Redelva Stakes, while Shojiki steps out in the Auraria Stakes, and Shamino and Octane press claims for a tilt at the Group 1 Goodwood in the Irwin Stakes.
“Instant Celebrity travelled over and has settled well back in Adelaide and her trial was very good,” Stokes said.
“She’s in good order.
“Both Shamino and Octane probably need to find a bit of form on Saturday.”
Octane looked disappointing on face value first-up from a spell when he was run off his feet at Caulfield behind Sword Of Mercy.
“I probably expected a bit more,” Stokes admitted.
“But he needed the outing and hopefully he strips fitter and runs better on Saturday.”
In Melbourne, Mr Quickie will run favourite in the $250,000 VOBIS Gold Mile early in the day before Goodwood hopeful Ancestry tackles the $140,000 Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield.
“It’s funny, for some reason favourites get beaten on this day,” Stokes said.
“I’m happy with Mr Quickie and as long as the rain stays away, he’ll run well.”
Wedged firmly in the middle is Adelaide Cup winner Good Idea, who tries to continue his rise in the Australian staying ranks in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) from an inside alley, the same barrier he jumped from to win at Morphettville in March .
“He’s in great order,” Stokes said.
“They’ve got a bit of rain up there, but that will suit him and he has really stepped up this preparation.
“He’s travelled up to Sydney beautifully. He’ll have to bring his A-game but if he does, they’ll know he’s there.”
IMAGE: Shamino is one of a large group of runners for the Philip Stokes stable at Morphettville on Saturday. The stable also has key runners at Caulfield and Randwick.
