The Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich-trained Clear Thinking kept her undefeated record intact at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with suggestions the lightly raced four-year-old will now be targeted for The Kosciusko (1200m) later in the spring.
The daughter of Dubawi looked be in danger of securing the hat-trick of wins when caught behind a wall of horses under Zac Lloyd in the final 400m, with the star apprentice patiently waiting for the gaps to appear.
They only eventuated in the final 100m, however, with Lloyd navigating a path to victory as Clear Thinking careered away with the prize to score by a half-length.
6/7/24 Randwick Race 4 Replay – Clear Thinking (1st)
“Really pleased with the effort,” said Messara speaking with Sky Thoroughbred Central post-race.
“At the 100m I thought we were doing it pretty tough, and I thought it would be a nice second or a third, but she got out, got home and the win was excellent.
“She’s a filly with a big future and you can’t do more than win three from three, so we’ll find out where the ceiling is next preparation.
“She’s a lovely horse to have in the stable and she’s been a complete surprise for us, and coming out and doing what she’s done has been a bonus and where she goes from here will be another bonus.
“She goes out now (for a spell), we’ll look to bring her back for maybe the Kosciuszko, something like that. Obviously with these three wins on the board now she’s going to be a horse that’ll feature in those discussions, and she’s got a well-earned rest. I think three runs in her first prep is enough.”
Clear Thinking is now on the second line of betting at +700 with Australian bookmakers for The Kosciuszko (1200m) on October 19.
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