Daqiansweet Junior is set to make a bid for a third appearance in the prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), should he emerge victorious in Saturday’s Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington.
Trained by Phillip Stokes, this progeny of Sweet Orange, a descendant of War Front, showcased his mettle by securing sixth place in the 2022 Melbourne Cup, followed by an admirable fifth-place finish in last year’s edition.
His sights are now set on securing a coveted ‘win and you’re in’ slot into this year’s Cup through the Roy Higgins.
“He got into the Cup pretty comfortably last year,” said Stokes.
“He should be ok again, but if you don’t have to take the chance it makes the programming easier if we’re going that way.”
Having had one start since last year’s Cup, finishing fifth in the Australian Cup Prelude on March 9, Stokes reflected positively on his performance.
“I thought his first-up run was the best he has put in for a long time.
“He bounced, put himself there, and only got beaten a bit under four lengths which is probably a ‘PB’ for him.”
With Daqiansweet Junior heading into the Roy Higgins Quality second-up in promising form, Stokes anticipates him peaking third-up for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m), highlighting the progressive trajectory of this seasoned campaigner.
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