A good problem: Messara’s tough call on unbeaten Autumn Glow

Arrowfield Stud boss John Messara still doesn’t know what Championships race unbeaten star Autumn Glow will contest, but he hopes to get another Championships runner in Clear Thinking at Muswellbrook on Sunday.

Messara is still basking in the afterglow of his wonderful mare remaining perfect after 10 starts in the Verry Elleegant Stakes.

“All we know at the moment is that Autumn Glow’s next run will be in the George Ryder Stakes, then we will make a decision,” Messara said.

“There are a lot of people who have an opinion on what is the best race for her. She will probably only have two more runs this preparation and the last one will be in the Doncaster, Queen Elizabeth Stakes or Queen Of The Turf.”

“It is a good problem to have.”

Messara, who was the architect of The Championships, will look to win a second Country Championship with Clear Thinking.

The Dubawi mare won the Kosciuszko in the spring and boasts a record of five wins from eight starts, but remains eligible for the Country Championships.

“She can lock in a spot at The Championship by winning her heat at Muswellbrook on Sunday,” Messara said. “She is getting a bit older and really need some cut in the ground to be at her best.”

“Paul [Messara’s son] thinks it is worth having a shot at the Country Championships with her, but we would like to get a black type win with her as well.”

“She is probably going to see The Autumn Sun this year, it’s same cross as [Country Championship winner] Know Thyself, so it would be good to do both [win the Country Championships and a Stakes race].”

Messara bought Clear Thinking as breeding stock from Queen Elizabeth because she was out of Australian mare Sweet Idea. However, she was put into work when she arrived in Australia and has proven a revelation with a Stakes placing to go alongside her five wins.