Trainer Bjorn Baker is not downplaying the considerable challenge that awaits Unleeshing as the mare heads towards her first attempt at Group 1 glory.
Unleeshing is scheduled to compete at the highest level for the first time when she lines up in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, and this race also represents her first start outside of New South Wales.
The five-year-old daughter of Dundeel, with a record of five wins from 14 starts, had been quietly going about her business until she produced a powerful finishing effort to win the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 17, her most recent race.
Unleeshing began her current campaign by finishing second in two benchmark 78 races, then progressed to benchmark 94 grade, where she won while carrying less weight, prior to her victory in the Angst Stakes.
Baker mentioned that Unleeshing has always been a mare the stable held in high regard, emphasizing the need to manage her career progression carefully.
The decision to send her to Melbourne was made only after her win in the Angst Stakes at her previous start.
“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 rode the mare to victory in the Angst Stakes, will be heading to Melbourne on Saturday to partner Unleeshing.
Collett is also set to ride the other Baker runners on the day: Disneck in the Rising Fast Stakes (1200m), Pericles in the Damien Oliver (1400m), and Paradoxium in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m). He will also ride True Tone for Chris Waller in the Victoria Derby (2500m).
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