Trainer Bjorn Baker is not shying away from the task that confronts Unleeshing at the mares first shot at Group 1 company.
Not only will Unleeshing be racing at the highest level for the first time when she contests the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, it will be her first start outside of NSW.
A five-year-old daughter of Dundeel that is a five-time winner from 14 starts, Unleeshing has flown under the radar until unleashing a powerful finish to claim the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 17, her most recent outing.
Unleeshing started her current campaign running second in two benchmark 78 races before rising in grade but dropping in weight to win in benchmark 94 grade ahead of her success in the Angst Stakes.
Baker said Unleeshing was a mare the stable always had considerable time for but needed to take her along quietly.
And it was only after her victory in the Angst Stakes at her last start that the decision was made to travel to Melbourne.
“She’s a mare that we’ve always had a lot of time for,” Baker said.
“She’s always shown a heap of ability, and it was good to see her win last time.
“It’s a massive leap to be taking on the Empire Rose, but she’s got a lovely racing pattern, get back, settle and when they quicken up, she can definitely hit the line.
“She had to win the Angst, and win well, which she did, so that gives us a bit of confidence to head down.”
Jason Collett, who won the Angst Stakes aboard the mare, heads to Melbourne on Saturday to partner Unleeshing.
Collett will also partner the other Baker runners on the day in Disneck in the Rising Fast Stakes (1200m), Pericles in the Damien Oliver (1400m), Paradoxium in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) while he rides True Tone for Chris Waller in the Victoria Derby (2500m).
