Triscay Stakes or the Country Championships Final the target for Clear Thinking
The impeccably bred mare Clear Thinking has extended her unbeaten streak to four with a gutsy win at Randwick, positioning herself for a tilt at stakes company.
Sired by European champion Dubawi and out of Australian Group 1 winner Sweet Idea, Clear Thinking was acquired by Arrowfield Stud’s John Messara during the dispersal of the late Queen Elizabeth’s racing and breeding stock in 2022.
Although she made her racing debut late in her four-year-old season, Clear Thinking has wasted no time proving her worth, delivering four impressive wins in as many starts, including her latest effort in Saturday’s Highway Handicap (1200m).
“She just finds a way to win. That’s now four from four, and she’ll go up in company and down in weight,” said co-trainer Paul Messara. “I think 1200m is still her best trip, and she’ll strip fitter for today.
“It was great to see her do it again. It was a tricky race—they ran along at a solid clip, and it turned into a really good contest.”
In the fast-paced event, Clear Thinking ($3.50) settled midfield under the guidance of Aaron Bullock before producing a late surge to power through the pack. Carrying 60kg, she edged out Highway Strip ($2.70 favorite) by a long neck, while Joiselle ($16) battled on bravely for third, a further half-neck behind.
Bullock praised the mare’s determination, particularly in navigating through tiring horses in the straight.
“I found a nice rhythm. There was good speed on, but every time I gave her a little click, she had another gear, and then another. She did the rest,” Bullock said. “I had to do a bit of weaving, but she’s a lovely horse.”
Messara confirmed that Clear Thinking’s next assignment would likely be the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15. He also mentioned the Country Championships (1400m) as a potential target later in the Sydney autumn carnival.
“We’ll head to her next start and see how she performs. The Country Championships is still a little way off, so we’ve got time to decide on that,” he added.
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