Trained on the track by Gratz Vella, he was second in a barrier trial last month and was well fancied on debut in the 1000 metre maiden.
A tardy getaway saw the grey gelding settle at the tail of the field for
Richard Bensley, who rode him patiently saving ground along the fence.When a split opened along the rails turning for home, The Unknown Factor accelerated smartly up the fence to win by a length and a half.
"He's always shaped up as though he could do it," said his trainer Gratz Vella, who won the Listed Canberra Black Opal previously in 2011 with You're Canny and will look to repeat the success with this youngster.
"I know he missed the start today, but he looks a real sprinter and we have a full sister to him at home."
Retained to race, The Unknown Factor is the third winner from Mixed Up Miss, who was also trained by Vella and won eight races at Canberra.
Mixed Up Miss comes from the family of Group I winners Mr Celebrity, Prince Salieri and Kiss Me Cait.
The Unknown Factor is the first Australian winner for War Front's dual Group I winning son The Factor, who is the sire of eight stakes-winners in North America highlighted by Group I winner Noted and Quoted.
The Factor has six entries for Magic Millions and 13 for Inglis Classic.
