Damien Thornton upbeat about Unflinching’s chances in Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield

Damien Thornton is confident Unflinching will rise to the challenge when his undefeated record goes on the line in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield.

Unflinching, ridden by Damien Thornton, winning at The Valley last month. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Star jockey Damien Thornton is confident undefeated colt Unflinching will measure up in Saturday’s Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

The pair boast a perfect record together – three from three – going from a Mornington maiden last October to back-to-back Valley victories, either side of a short break.

Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Unflinching opened a $4.40 third-elect with TAB, behind unlikely starter Paulele ($2.80) and speedy Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained colt Generation ($3.50).

Godolphin colt Paulele is set to run in Sydney on Saturday instead.

Progressive Unflinching earned a shot at black-type level after bolting in at The Valley on January 22.

“It will be a good challenge for him, I guess we'll get a guide on where he’s at and what level he can potentially get to I suppose,” Thornton said.

“Every time they (team Freedman) raise the bar he takes the challenge up and does it easy.

“I wasn't sure whether he’d run 1200m but after the other day I think he will.”

Unflinching is unbeaten after three career starts. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Unlike the two wins before the break, where Unflinching led all the way, the three-year-old son of I Am Invincible sat outside the speed last start and sprinted clear for an imposing 2.8-length romp.

Thornton is likely to be faced with a similar scenario on Saturday, as freewheeling Snitzel colt Generation and Linas Legend vie for the early lead.

“If I wanted to lead I don’t think anything would be able to lead me anyway, he’s got that much gate speed,” Thornton said.

“It's been a bit of a process to try and get him to settle in his races and be strong at the end, which he was the other day, and that was the first time he relaxed.

“He's grown up a lot, the break did wonders for him, and he’s mentally matured.”

Thornton has five rides on Saturday including Bay Thirteen, a debutant for Matt Laurie in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes, and two “interesting” Chris Waller-trained gallopers.

Former English import Desert Icon is a lightweight chance in the Benchmark 100 on Saturday, while Loveplanet returns to Melbourne after being outside the money in three Sydney starts.

“I won three in a row on him (Loveplanet) in Melbourne before he went to Sydney and he hasn’t won since … I’m intrigued to see how he will go (back here).”

Thornton is equal third in the Victorian jockeys’ premiership with 57 wins, including 16 in Melbourne.

Originally published as Damien Thornton upbeat about Unflinching’s chances in Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield