Bush star Clearly Innocent could be racing’s latest cult hero to lay claim to the “people’s horse” moniker.
With seven wins from nine starts, NSW’s reigning Country champion’s popularity is growing ahead of his return to racing in The Shorts at Randwick.
Trainer Greg Bennett says Clearly Innocent has generated a flurry of media attention ahead of Saturday’s Group Two race.
“He’s got a big following in the bush,” Bennett said.
“People have taken him on board and almost regard him as their own which is great.”
Clearly Innocent won the Country Championship Final in dramatic fashion, defying a betting drift caused by a minor hoof injury to dominate the $500,000 race.
He then won the Listed Luskin Star Stakes at Scone, beating Music Magnate who later won the Group One Doomben 10,000 in May.
While Music Magnate was improving the Luskin Star form, Clearly Innocent was also in Queensland for a well-deserved holiday.
“I didn’t want to go to the well one too many times and be disappointed,” Bennett said.
Clearly Innocent’s success has boosted Bennett’s stable with new clients and more horses.
The gelding can further enhance the Scone trainer’s reputation by giving him his first Group winner on Saturday.
“I’ve had some great tough, good performing horses that have won lots of prize money and won Listed races,” Bennett said.
“But as far as sheer ability and untapped potential I think he’s without a doubt the best one I’ve had.”
Clearly Innocent trialled at Wyong on September 6 giving jockey Brenton Avdulla a chance to re-acquaint himself with the horse he rode once for a second-placed finish in a Highway race in December.
“He’s had a couple of gallops since and going into Saturday against that quality sprinting field I couldn’t be happier,” Bennett said.
Clearly Innocent’s spring program includes the Group Two Premiere (1200m) at Randwick on October 1 before a trip to Melbourne for the Group Three Moonga Stakes (1400m) on October 15.
“If we can get through those three runs well then I’d love to think we can get him to a Group One,” Bennett said.
He might get his chance on the first day of the Melbourne Cup carnival in the $1 million Longines Mile.
With that in mind Bennett will not read too much into The Shorts or The Premiere.
“I think we’re going to see the best of this horse once we get him up over his proven trip of 1400 metres and even beyond to the mile,” Bennett said.
Clearly Innocent is on the second line of betting at $5 for The Shorts behind All Aged Stakes winner English at $2.60.
