Import Unspoken hasn’t quite reached the heights he once promised, but he has been showing signs he is close to ending a two-year hiatus from the winner’s list.
Unbeaten in four starts during the spring of 2023, highlighted by his $2 million Five Diamonds victory, his only placing in 10 subsequent starts came during the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington last year.
However, he has turned in two competitive performances this preparation, beaten 2-1/2 lengths when midfield in the Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill first-up, and finishing a solid last start fourth in the Cup Day Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
His next assignment comes in Saturday’s ATC Cup (2000m) at Rosehill and if he can overcome an awkward draw in twelve, trainer Peter Snowden believes he can give it a shake.
“He’s going really well. Just trying to find the right races for him has been difficult,” Snowden said.
“We have landed on this one, which I think is ideal.
“His work has been very good. His run was excellent during Melbourne Cup week over 1800. He just peaked on his run fifty metres out.
“He was five weeks between his first run and second run, this sort of back up will suit him.”
Snowden will also have Huetor in the same race after scratching him from The Beauford (2300m) two weeks ago due to a slightly abnormal blood count.
He said the horse had bounced back well and Saturday’s assignment had always been back of mind.
He has drawn immediately outside Unspoken and as a backmarker, will need luck in the run.
“He is in good form, and he’ll run well,” Snowden said.
“He is just drawn a bit awkward, but he’s got Nash (Rawiller) on. Nash knows him well and he goes well for him.”
