While Unspoken hasn’t returned to the heights he scaled two years ago, the import is showing enough this preparation to suggest a long-awaited win may be close.
The gelding dominated the spring of 2023 with four straight victories, capped by his stunning success in the $2 million Five Diamonds. Since then, a single placing during the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington has been his only highlight from ten runs.
This time in, though, the picture is brighter. He returned with a midfield effort in the Shannon Stakes (1500m) before a commendable fourth in the Cup Day Plate (1800m).
His next challenge comes in Saturday’s ATC Cup (2000m), a race trainer Peter Snowden believes fits well despite the tricky barrier twelve.
“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Snowden also saddles Huetor, who was withdrawn from The Beauford (2300m) when a blood test raised mild concerns.
The gelding has since responded strongly and now lines up from barrier thirteen, ideally needing tempo and luck as a noted backmarker.
“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.”
To bet on the ATC Cup, check the latest markets at Australia’s leading bookmakers via the best betting sites list.