Clear Thinking horse faces tough start to season at Muswellbrook on Saturday

Clear Thinking's preparation for Saturday's race at Muswellbrook has been shorter than usual, making her position vulnerable compared to her Kosciuszko win.
By Newsroom | Horse Racing, New South Wales |

MUSWELLBROOK – Clear Thinking, the victor of the prestigious Kosciuszko race, is described as being in a "vulnerable" position as she prepares for her season opener at Muswellbrook. Co-trainer Paul Messara has voiced concerns, stating the mare's preparation has been more hurried than ideal.

The horse's performance on Saturday is expected to be a stepping stone, with Messara indicating that "she will be improved by whatever she does this weekend." He also noted that the mare "had a good blow" after her recent trial, suggesting she is not yet at peak fitness. This comes despite a seemingly adequate trial performance where she "jumped well."

RUSHED PREPARATION AND HORSE'S PREFERENCE

Messara has highlighted that Clear Thinking typically performs best with three weeks between races, a luxury not afforded in this instance. The mare's previous campaign, culminating in her Kosciuszko win, saw her utilize blinkers to maintain focus over the 1200m distance, a tactic employed by jockey Tyler Schiller on that occasion. The absence of blinkers this time, coupled with a "delicate barrier draw" and a change in racing conditions, adds further layers of uncertainty.

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"She jumped well the other day at the trials so she will be as close as she can be without pushing her." - Paul Messara

Aaron Bullock, who rode the mare in her recent trial, reportedly informed Messara that she was in good order. However, Clear Thinking's tendency to "jump on the bridle" in trials suggests a degree of readiness, though Messara believes "she will improve in everything she does."

STABLE'S OTHER CONTENDERS

The Muswellbrook meeting also features other runners from Messara's stable. Deel Me A Queen, after a disappointing run as an odds-on favourite where she was "run off her feet," is looking to atone. Messara previously held high expectations for her, noting she "loves wet ground." He believes she "just needed the run and has taken improvement from it." Another stable entrant, Pontevedra, will make only its second start in a Maiden Plate, with connections confident that with further "education and a tinkering of the gear," the "real Pontevedra will turn up."

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BACKGROUND

Clear Thinking, a 6-year-old mare, secured the $2 million 'The Kosciuszko' over 1200m on Everest Day at Royal Randwick last year. The race, a significant event for country racing, highlights horses trained and stabled in regional areas. Messara's stable, in partnership with Leah Gavranich, has been a consistent presence in country feature races. The 'Country Championships' are a series of races culminating in a final, with horses needing to qualify through regional heats. The current focus is on the Hunter and North West Country Championships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Clear Thinking in a vulnerable position for her race at Muswellbrook on Saturday?
Clear Thinking's co-trainer Paul Messara says her preparation has been rushed. She typically needs more time between races, and this start is seen as a stepping stone for future races.
Q: What did Paul Messara say about Clear Thinking's fitness for the Muswellbrook race?
Messara mentioned that Clear Thinking had a good blow after her recent trial and is not at peak fitness yet. He believes she will improve from whatever she does in the race on Saturday.
Q: Will Clear Thinking wear blinkers in the Muswellbrook race on Saturday?
It is uncertain if Clear Thinking will wear blinkers. She wore them when she won The Kosciuszko, but the decision for Saturday's race has not been confirmed, adding to the uncertainty.
Q: How does Clear Thinking usually perform best?
Clear Thinking usually performs best with three weeks between races. This current preparation has not allowed for that usual rest period.
Q: What are the other horses from Paul Messara's stable running at Muswellbrook?
Deel Me A Queen and Pontevedra are also running. Deel Me A Queen is looking to improve after a previous disappointing run, and Pontevedra is making its second start with hopes for better education.