Trainer Bjorn Baker is forthright about the significant hurdle confronting Unleeshing as she prepares for her debut at Group 1 level.

Unleeshing is set to compete at the highest racing standard for the first time in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, and this event also signifies her inaugural start outside of New South Wales.

The five-year-old mare, a progeny of Dundeel and a winner of five from 14 attempts, had been flying under the radar until she delivered a powerful finishing surge to capture the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 17, her most recent outing.

Unleeshing commenced her current preparation by finishing second in two benchmark 78 races, subsequently advancing in class but managing her weight effectively to win a benchmark 94 event before her triumph in the Angst Stakes.

Baker commented that Unleeshing has always been a mare the stable held in high regard, stressing the importance of a patient approach to her career development.

It was following her victory in the Angst Stakes at her last race that the decision was made to travel to Melbourne.

“She’s a mare that we’ve always had a lot of time for,” Baker stated.

“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 was aboard the mare for her Angst Stakes win, will travel to Melbourne on Saturday to partner Unleeshing.

Collett is also booked to ride other Baker-trained horses on the day, including 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 Chris Waller’s True Tone in the Victoria Derby (2500m).

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