Unspoken has continued his rise through the ranks this spring with the biggest victory of his career in the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill.
The imported Unspoken ($7.50) had been unbeaten in three starts so far this campaign on his way to Saturday’s rich race for five-year-olds, and he stepped up again to defeat a gallant Zoumon ($21) by a head.
Detonator Jack ($11) closed the race off well for third, another neck away, while favourite Antino ($2.20) was slowly away and struck some traffic in the home straight before finishing 10th in the field of 14.
Co-trainer Paul Snowden said five-year-old Unspoken had now acclimatised to Australia in his second campaign here and the proof of that has been in the gelding’s performances this campaign.
“It’s been a really solid preparation from him, he’s unbeaten,” Snowden said.
The Five Diamonds was run over 1800m but Snowden is convinced the gelding will relish racing over more ground next campaign.
“He’s bred to get a lot longer than this,” Snowden said.
“He probably could end up in a Caulfield Cup next year.
“We pushed him out in distance last prep and this is where the acclimatisation comes in, he just wasn’t ready.
“He wasn’t putting it all together on race day. At home he’s a lovely, relaxed animal but this prep has been a completely different kettle of fish.”
Jockey Tom Sherry positioned Unspoken just behind the leaders before making his run in the home straight.
Zoumon continued to fight on the inside but Unspoken was not to be denied, giving Sherry one of his biggest wins.
“Prizemoney-wise it’s my biggest win,” Sherry said.
“I’ve won a Group Two and got a great thrill out of that but this was special.
“Peter and Paul keep believing in me, and giving me back the ride.
“The horse was brilliant, I really enjoyed that.”