Import Unspoken has not quite rediscovered the peak he once threatened, but recent signs suggest he is edging closer to breaking a two-year run without a victory.

After going unbeaten through four starts in the spring of 2023, including his triumph in the $2 million Five Diamonds, the gelding has managed just one placing from his ten appearances since, that effort coming during the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington.

This campaign, however, has hinted at improvement. He finished midfield when 2-1/2 lengths off them in the Shannon Stakes (1500m) first-up, before producing a strong fourth in the Cup Day Plate (1800m) at Flemington.

His next test arrives in Saturday’s ATC Cup (2000m) at Rosehill where he must negotiate barrier twelve, but trainer Peter Snowden is upbeat.

“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.”

Stablemate Huetor will also line up after being scratched from The Beauford (2300m) a fortnight ago due to an abnormal blood reading.

Snowden reports the gelding has rebounded well and has always had this weekend’s race as a suitable option.

Drawn one stall wider than Unspoken and racing as a backmarker, Huetor will again need things to unfold his way.

“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.”

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