The $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) will head the way of the Peter & Paul Snowden barn as Unspoken (+700) got the head down on the wire at Rosehill on Saturday.
It’s been an impressive rise throughout the campaign, as the son of Territories had ticked off three straight victories prior to Saturday, gradually stepping up in quality with every start.
Tom Sherry continued his association with the European gelding, gaining an economical position throughout the 1800m journey from barrier five, allowing Unspoken to sit just in behind a moderate tempo.
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Zoumon (+2000) lead them up for the majority of the race, with Rachel King trying to pinch off a couple of cheap sectionals.
It appeared to have worked with 200m to go, as many struggled to make ground from the rear of the field.
Detonator Jack ($11.00) and Democracy Manifest (+900) were game to the line, but simply couldn’t match motors with Unspoken in the closing stages.
It was all honours to the winner in the end, as Unspoken continued his unblemished record this time in.
2023 Five Diamonds Replay – Unspoken | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Tom Sherry
Co-trainer Paul Snowden was on course to speak on behalf of the stable post-race and didn’t discount the possibility of a Caulfield Cup (2400m) tilt next spring.
“It’s been a really solid preparation from him, he’s unbeaten,” said Snowden.
“This is his second preparation here in Australia and to see what he has done this time through. We’ve kept him at a mile but he’ll get a lot further than this, he 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. He led the other day and I never thought he had that in him twelve months ago but everything is clicking.”
Tom Sherry was elated post-race and couldn’t hold back his excitement when speaking about his Five Diamonds success.
“Prizemoney-wise it’s my biggest win,” said Sherry.
“I’ve won a Group 2 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.”
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