From Royal Stables to Hunter Glory
A remarkable thoroughbred with direct lineage to Queen Elizabeth II's breeding program is poised to make history in Newcastle this weekend. Clear Thinking, the Scone-trained mare who claimed the $2 million country Kosciuszko crown just last month, has secured the final spot in Newcastle's prestigious $1 million The Hunter race at Broadmeadow.
The five-year-old mare, co-trained by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, will attempt to complete an extraordinary $3 million prizemoney double within a single month when she lines up in Saturday's group 2 feature. Her inclusion was confirmed when fields for Newcastle's metropolitan meeting were officially released on Wednesday, with Clear Thinking taking the sixteenth and final position.
Royal Bloodlines and Unexpected Talent
The story behind Clear Thinking's journey to Australian racing prominence reads like something from a fairytale. As trainer Paul Messara revealed to the Newcastle Herald, the mare's connection to British royalty began a decade ago.
"She was born in England and originally bred by the Queen," Messara explained. "We bred Sweet Idea, the mother of hers, and then sold her as a yearling up at Magic Millions. Then the people who purchased and raised her sold. She was purchased by the Queen and then the Queen bred several out of the mare."
In an unexpected twist of fate, Messara found himself repurchasing the filly from the royal stables. "The connection came because they knew we had bred Sweet Idea and they were rationalising stock over there [in the UK] and we had the opportunity to purchase this filly back to breed from," he said.
Initially acquired purely as a breeding prospect after being "deemed not to have much ability," Clear Thinking's racing potential was discovered almost by accident. "We had six months up our sleeve before the season started and, very fortunately, we decided to give her a bit of a test," Messara recalled. "The rest is history."
Overcoming Early Challenges
Clear Thinking's Australian racing career didn't begin smoothly. Around 18 months ago, she refused to load in the barriers and was scratched late at Newcastle. However, Messara notes that "we've never had a problem since" that initial setback.
The mare has since developed an impressive record of five wins, one place and a group 3 fifth from just seven career starts. Her form includes four consecutive victories between her debut in June 2024 and January this year, featuring back-to-back Highway Handicap wins at Randwick.
Her most recent performance in the Kosciuszko on October 18 was particularly impressive, coming first-up after three trials. Messara expresses confidence about her prospects in The Hunter, despite the step up in distance. "This will be her first time over 1200m but I think it will suit her, it's a month between runs but that's not an issue and the horse is in good health," he said.
Hunter Field Features Strong Competition
Clear Thinking faces formidable competition in The Hunter, with early TAB fixed odds favouring Joseph Pride's Coal Crusher at $4.20 following his 2023 victory in the race. The Hawkes training team, who won last year's event, have secured jockey Tommy Berry to steer Airman from barrier eight.
Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will start two runners from opposite ends of the gates - Brudenell with the inside lane and Infancy from the widest barrier in 17. Local hoop Dylan Gibbons has the ride on Infancy.
Bjorn Baker has accepted with the two topweights, Iowna Merc and Robusto, both carrying 59 kilograms. Yorkshire, with an outstanding record of six wins and two placings from eight career starts, sits second in betting at $5.50, while Clear Thinking is rated a $7 chance.
Clear Thinking will maintain her partnership with jockey Tyler Schiller, who guided her to Kosciuszko success. "Hard to take him off the last run and obviously she ran really well for him," Messara said. "Once you've ridden those horses successfully and get a feel for them, it's beneficial."
The Hunter, sponsored by the Newcastle Herald, is scheduled for 4:45pm as part of a packed Broadmeadow card that begins at 12:35pm.
