A start in one of Melbourne’s premier sprint races could be on offer for Unflinching if he performs well at Caulfield.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman -trained galloper runs in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) on Saturday and if successful, or he runs well, a start in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 26 could be on the agenda for Unflinching.
Portland Sky won the Manfred Stakes 12 months ago and came out to share the honours with Celebrity Queen in the Oakleigh Plate at his next start.
“It may be the right way to go getting into that race, but he would have to win I would imagine to get enough rating points to get into the race,” Sam Freedman told RSN.
“I think having a run at 1200 (metres) and then going back to the 1100 could certainly suit.”
Unflinching steps to 1200m for the first time on Saturday after winning his first three starts, all over 1000m, twice at The Valley after scoring on debut at Mornington.
In his latest Valley success, coming off a short break, Unflinching showed a new side to his racing pattern sitting off the leader.
That performance convinced Sam Freedman that Unflinching should handle the 1200m on Saturday and his task has been made a little easier with bothPaulele and Ranch Hand contesting the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
“Last start gave us a little more confidence than we might have had prior,” Freedman said.
“He relaxed pretty well outside the lead, and I think the key with him is to not go too slow on him because his asset is winning his races with a turn of foot for 200 or 400 metres.
“Damien Thornton knows him really well and he’ll know when to push the button.
“He’s going to be in front for a long way. It’s going to be the last 100 (metres) that he’s left wanting but hopefully he’s created a bit of a buffer.”