It may not have been Australia’s richest race, but Phillip Stokes got a huge thrill out of winning the Birdsville Cup with Neodium.
The victory in September was Neodium’s second on the outback circuit, the difference in the gelding’s latest victory, Stokes was on course to witness it.
Stokes grew up around the Birdsville area and hopes to head back again next year, but before a return trip can take place, Neodium has some unfinished business in Adelaide.
Neodium runs at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) where he will be joined by Russian Dancer.
Zebella is also an acceptor in the race, but Stokes indicated she would head to Ballarat on Saturday to join stablemate Cheval Chic in the MHS Group Handicap (1200m).
Stokes said Neodium had recovered well from the arduous journey to Birdsville and back from his Morphettville stable.
“It was great winning the Birdsville Cup, and I went up there which was great, and we’ll probably go back and try and win it again next year because it’s never been done before,” Stokes said.
“The owners live up there, so we try and find a horse for them every year.
“It’s a tough trip. It’s two full days of travel and you can’t go quick.
“It’s bitumen to Marree and then it’s corrugated road the rest of the way.
“You can’t take floats, you have to take a truck and it’s pretty hard on the horses.
“He knew he had been away, but he’s come back well.”
Neodium had a barrier trial at Strathalbyn to prepare for Saturday’s return, finishing third behind Zebella over 1000m.
“I think he’ll run a race first-up,” Stokes said.
“He can go forward and make his own luck.”
Stokes expects Russian Dancer to improve with the run under the belt on Saturday having not had a start since February.
Russian Dancer has also trialled in preparation for his return, finishing fourth at Strathalbyn.
“I would say he probably needs the run but is coming along nicely,” Stokes said.