Trainer Michael Hickmott has confirmed that Sydney-based hoop Blake Shinn will take the ride on leading contender Unbreakable in the 2017 Darwin Cup (2000m) at Fannie Bay Racecourse on Monday, August 7^th.

Melbourne Cup and Golden Slipper winner Blake Shinn will partner Unbreakable in the 2017 Darwin Cup. Photo: Daniel Costello

Unbreakable is one of two former-Godolphin horses that Hickmott will saddle in the 2017 Darwin Cup field (alongside race favourite Lieder) and the horse is a proven performer on the top-end dirt, having flown home to win the Roant Gold Cup (1300m) first-up on July 1^st.

While failed to justify his clear favouritism when seventh in the Asian United Good Service Handicap (1600m) last time out on July 15^th, Hickmott tweeted his delight at booking Blake Shinn for the ride on Unbreakable in the Darwin Cup and is confident that he will bounce back in the feature race.

“Thrilled to confirm Blake Shinn as the rider for Unbreakable, a top chance in the 2017 Darwin Cup,” Hickmott tweeted.

“From dirt racing in the USA, to dirt racing at Fannie Bay. Hopefully he can continue that form to add the 2017 Darwin Cup to his resume.”

Unbreakable has produced a number of smart performances and results throughout his racing career so far, but was reasonably inconsistent as a four-year-old, which led to his listing at a recent Godolphin consignment auction.

Returning to the paddock after failing to fire in a mile race at The Valley in October, Unbreakable resumed this year for a smart win in the Mitavite Challenge Heat 8 BM78 (1400m) at Ladbrokes Park, but failed to fire second-up when seventh in the Gold FM BM90 (1400m) at Bendigo.

Second behind Kapset in the Thomas North BM78 (1600m) at Caulfield, his final start for Godolphin on April 22^nd, the Hard Spun gelding trialled well on the Darwin course prior to making his debut for Hickmott last month.

Shinn has recently completed an impressive stint riding in the United States, where he managed to chalk up eleven winners under the guidance of notable trainer Wesley Ward.

Unbreakable currently sits on the fourth line of 2017 Darwin Cup betting at Ladbrokes.com.au at a generous $7 quote.