Phillip Stokes may have a smart young stayer on his hands after Daqiansweet Junior completed a hat-trick at Caulfield on Boxing Day.

A former New Zealand galloper, Daqiansweet Junior has only had five starts for Stokes and has won his last two starts over 2000m.

Despite his win in Benchmark 84 grade in the Take It To The Neds Level Handicap on Sunday, Stokes is in no rush to test Daqiansweet Junior in too high a grade just yet.

But he is adamant he will relish a longer journey.

“He’s going to love 2400 metres as he was never going to win that,” Stokes said.

While Daqiansweet Junior may languish in ratings races, Stokes will look to add another ‘black type’ race to his resume when Good Idea runs in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Good Idea is being prepared for another tilt at the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville in March after success in this year’s contest.

“I’m still trying to get him to the Adelaide Cup and I’m trying to give him one run a month to get him there,” Stokes said.

“Last time I was able to run him in ratings races, but I’m not able to so this time as his rating is too high.

“There’s another race at Flemington I think between the Bagot and the Adelaide Cup.”

Stokes said Good Idea spends most of his time working on the deep sand at his property at Garfield, not far from his main training base at Pakenham.

He said the stayer enjoys the relaxed atmosphere and was ticking over nicely.

“He’s a tough horse,” Stokes said.

“He ran well last time, and the 2800 metres (on Saturday) is ideal for him.

“I think he’s going better this time, but he did only come good in the Adelaide Cup when he got up to that trip. It’s what he loves.”